Kerala: PSC rank-holder climbs tree to stage 10-hour protest

There have been delays in hiring Public Service Commission (PSC) rank-holders in Kerala. On Wednesday, Christopher, a native of Vattappara, climbed a tree in front of the Secretariat and protested for 10 hours, before he was brought down. A report in The Hindu states that he had been waiting to be appointed at a job for the last two years, but to no avail. 

He went to the Secretariat in the morning along with some other people who are said to be on the list for KSRTC reserve drivers. They demanded that the government initiate immediate action before the rank list, published in 2013, expired in two months, states the daily. 

Christopher climbed the tree at 9.30 a.m. and threatened to jump to his death if the government did not take positive steps to solve their demand. The police and other authorities present could not convince Christopher and he stayed on the tree till 8 p.m. 

Post that, officials reassured him that they would do the needful and that the validity of the rank list will also be extended by another six months, adds the report. Christopher had reportedly staged a similar protest a year ago and officials had reassured him then as well. But nothing came out of it.