The fate of 35 engineering graduates who topped the TNPSC examinations held during the previous regime to recruit 640 assistant engineers in government departments, hangs in balance, because of the communication gap between the highways department and TNPSC.
While all others, including about 470 engineers, had joined the duty, these 35 engineering graduates are awaiting the government’s nod.
“We were shocked to know that all others who got through the exams had received the orders. We came to know that the confusion was caused by a simple clerical error and lack of communication between the highways department and TNPSC,” a worried candidate told DC.
“The announcement for recruiting 640 assistant engineers in the highways, rural development and PWD was made in August 2010 and the exams were held in October. The final results were out in September 2011 after the interview,” he said.
“Those who got appointments in the highways department were the last to receive the orders and got them in January 2012. All the candidates, barring the 35 of us, received the orders and joined duty,” said another candidate.
The officials blamed their counterparts of the previous regime. “They had called for 171 posts instead of 136 posts. The highways officials had wrongly told TNPSC that they needed 171 engineers,” said a candidate.
“The problem could have been averted if they had consulted the personnel and administrative reforms department,” he said.
The irony is that all the 35 candidates have secured good marks and are within the 200 rank, but chose highways. Others who got less marks have got appointment orders.
The highways secretary told DC that the candidates had submitted a memorandum on Friday, pointing out legal problems. “We are looking into the matter,” he said.
