Favouritism, procedural lapses in elephant handler appointment

Former computer operator, cook at Forest officer’s residence among those selected

Mysuru: The recruitment of Kavadis to serve at captive elephant camps has run into trouble, with allegations of favouritism and procedural lapses in the selection process conducted by the Forest Department in Mysuru Circle last month.

Senior Forest Department officials have put the selection list on hold following complaints of irregularities in the direct recruitment process.

The Department had taken up recruitment to fill 51 Kavadi posts in various elephant camps, with vacancies notified in the Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Shivamogga and Canara circles.

27 posts in Mysuru

In Mysuru Circle, authorities conducted interviews to fill 27 posts. However, complaints about irregularities and procedural lapses in the selection process led the authorities to withhold the selection lists in all five circles.

A total of 411 candidates had applied for the posts in Mysuru Circle. The recruitment process was conducted in the presence of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF). Of the applicants, 212 were called for interviews, but only 148 attended.

Applications of 29 candidates were rejected for incomplete or improper documentation. The remaining 119 candidates underwent physical tests.

A committee comprising officials from various Forest Divisions was formed on Sept. 3 and 29. Based on its recommendations, the candidates underwent a series of tests on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

Objections, if any

The tests included physical fitness, elephant handling and management, issuing commands to elephants, tree climbing, running and trekking through forest terrain. These are among the skills required to carry out a Kavadi’s duties. Following the tests, officials selected 27 candidates and published a provisional list.

Candidates were asked to submit objections, if any, by 5 pm on Nov. 12. However, soon after the list was published, complaints were submitted alleging that the selection process had been manipulated and certain candidates favoured.

A team of senior officials conducted an internal inquiry and found lapses in the process. The selection lists for all five circles were subsequently kept on hold.

Six women selected

Of the 27 candidates selected in Mysuru Circle, six were women chosen under the women’s reservation quota. Those questioning the selection say that the job requires candidates to have practical experience in handling elephants and at least a basic understanding of their behaviour and care.

However, some of those selected reportedly have no such experience. They include a former computer operator and a woman who had worked as a cook at a Forest officer’s residence. There are also allegations that none of the selected candidates belongs to a Mahout or Kavadi family.