Heavy competition for JLM posts; Candidates resort to middlemen

Srikakulam: There is heavy competition for the junior lineman (JLM) grade-2 posts in AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL). As part of the village secretariat system, which emerged recently, one energy assistant post is granted for each Grama Panchayat which is technically termed, JLM. Under the purview of the APEPDCL, a total of 2,859 JLM grade-2 posts are available in all five districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari. For all these posts a total of 87,486 candidates have applied and each post has more than 30 applicants.

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The basic qualification for the JLM grade -2 posts is Class 10 and an ITI certificate or any other equal technical qualification. Out of the total applicants selected, the practical test will be done on a 1:3 ratio and no written test will be conducted. In-service candidates in APEPDCL who are working on a contract basis will be given preference.

The total 8,701 candidates will be called for a practical test after the applications are scrutinised. Candidates can only download call letters for the practical test from the APEPDCL website, www.apeasternpower.com, until 31st August. Climbing electrical polls, cycle ride, meter reading etc. are events included in the practical test and the entire test will be video graphed under the verification of one chief engineer (CE) and one superintendent engineer (SE). The practical tests will be conducted from 3rd to 7th September and the final selection list will be announced on 15th September. Selected candidates will begin their duties on 2nd October.

In the meanwhile, candidates are reportedly resorting to the use of middlemen, ruling party leaders and officials to secure one of the available positions. Because of the absence of a written test, all the applicants are expressing doubt over the transparency of the selections. “The entire selection process from sending call letters to practical tests etc. will be organized transparently. Do not resort to middlemen,” urged the APEPDCL chief general manager (CGM), P. Nageswara Rao.