Climbing 8-metre pole must for this Karnataka power sector job; 80% fail

Published On : 2024-11-25T10:55:35+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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For thousands of group D power sector job aspirants in Karnataka Karnataka, success hinges on a single, daunting challenge: Climbing an 8-metre concrete pole a task that eliminates eight out of 10 candidates before they can even prove their academic worth

The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited recruitment drive for nearly 3,000 group D jobs has turned into an unprecedented test of physical prowess leaving many qualified candidates literally hanging in the balance.

The mandatory poleclimbing test introduced in 2015 has become a significant stumbling block for candidates applying for junior station attendant (JSA) and junior powerman positions.

This direct recruitment has sparked protests from pro-Kannada groups and aspirants who demand a switch to written examinations conducted by either the Karnataka service" target="_blank">Public Service Commission (KPSC) or

According to KPTCL officials a staggering 80% of candidates fail to meet this crucial physical parameter which is non-negotiable regardless of gender. Not all sub-divisions of KPTCL and Escoms have necessary poleclimbing equipment

Most candidates barely make it past the first couple of metres before giving up, a KPTCL official said.

Pole issue prompted dept to revise policy

While candidates from North Karnataka familiar with tree climbing show better performance those from South Karnataka often struggle, viewing pole climbing as a social stigma.”

The challenge has become so significant that the energy department had to revise its recruitment policy in 2014 lowering educational qualifications from 12th pass/ITI diploma to SSLC/10th pass to expand the talent pool.

Regional disparity

Despite these adjustments between 2015 and 2019, majority of the 16,300 recruits hailed from North Karnataka districts underscoring the regional disparity. Energy department officials defend their stance, saying that reduced qualification levels and direct recruitment were necessary responses

When the requirement was 12th pass candidates would often opt for better positions avoiding these group D jobs. The current system has placed more than 16,300 candidates in recent years.

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

Tags : groupthekarnataka power transmission corporation limited , candidatesleaving many qualified candidates literally hanging , Public Service Commission , karnatakafive electricity supply companies ’ , North Karnataka , Forget , For , energy , Escoms , This ,

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