Vadodara, Gujarat: Over 1200 aspiring electrical assistants in Gujarat are up in arms against the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited (JETCO) after the company scrapped their recruitment process due to a technical error. The controversy has sparked protests and drawn the attention of political leaders, with students demanding reconsideration of their selection.
The drama began with JETCO conducting a two-phase recruitment drive for the Vidyut Sahayak (Electrical Assistant) position in 2023. After clearing the initial screening and written exams, 1224 candidates found their names on the coveted list. However, their elation soon turned to dismay when JETCO, admitting its own administrative blunder, scrapped the entire process.
The candidates allege blatant disregard for guidelines during the crucial poll test held in Rajkot, Bharuch, and Mehsana zones. They claim JETCO did not adhere to its own established norms, including those set by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). An internal inquiry confirmed these discrepancies, prompting JETCO to annul the entire recruitment.
Students Take to the Streets
Unwilling to accept the cancellation, the affected candidates, led by student leader Yuvraj Singh, have launched a sustained protest campaign. They have been agitating outside the JETCO office in Vadodara since Thursday, even spending the night there to highlight their plight.
On Friday, a glimmer of hope emerged when JETCO MD met with a delegation of protesting students. While acknowledging the students' concerns, the MD reportedly offered only a vague assurance that the 1224 candidates would be considered for a future poll test. However, with no concrete timeline or official announcement, the students remain unconvinced.
Determined to secure their rightful place, the student leaders plan to meet the Chief Minister, the Minister of State for Home, and the Energy Minister in the coming days. They aim to present their demands and press for a reconsideration of their selection. In the meantime, they will huddle with fellow candidates to decide their next course of action if JETCO fails to act within the stipulated 48 hours.
The recruitment fiasco has also had internal repercussions for JETCO. While the HR department official responsible for the error has been replaced, 12 other officers and engineers are facing show-cause notices.
The case of the 1224 aspiring electrical assistants highlights the importance of transparency and due diligence in recruitment processes. Their fight is not just for their own careers, but for a system that upholds merit and protects the rights of candidates. As the protests continue and political leaders get involved, it remains to be seen whether JETCO will rectify its mistake and offer a fair solution to the aggrieved students.
