Extension to retiring power staff opposed

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 21 

The Himachal Power Engineers Association has expressed resentment over  the extension given to retiring engineers. They have urged Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to abandon the unhealthy practice of granting extension and strictly follow the Recruitment and Promotion Rules for appointment of directors of State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).

Association members said the rules provided that directors of the HPSEBL be recruited through interviews and engineers below the age of 57 were eligible for appointment. 

The association made special reference to the post of director (technical), falling vacant on May 13, on completion of BM Sood’s tenure. 

The members said the post be filled through an interview and only those eligible for the post and below the age of 57 be called for the interview.

A chief engineer of the HPSEBL, who retired in August last year, and appointed managing director of the Himachal Pradesh State Load Dispatch Centre (HPSLDC) should not be appointed as the director (technical). 

“No extension should be given to any retired or retiring engineer as it sets a wrong  precedent and the practice will have adverse implications, opening doors for well-connected individuals to seek post retirement appointments at the cost of qualified unemployed youth, the members said.