Thiruvananthapuram: For the first time ever, engineering graduates recruited by KSEB Limited will undergo an induction training of 67-135 days, a 55-day residential training and 12-80 days of on-the job training. Till last year, the training was for only 12 days. And increasing attrition rate has prompted KSEBL to insist on a three-year bond period for new recruits. Till last year, the bond was for two years. An engineer not honouring the bond will have to pay a maximum of Rs 5 lakh. The ‘Induction-cum-Statutory Training’ Programme, in accordance with the latest Central Electricity Authority stipulations, is mandatory for all the newly recruited assistant engineers, and it comprises of two modules.
Module I is an integrated classroom residential training for 55 working days, and is common for all new assistant engineers (Electrical) posted in generation, transmission, distribution or in any other offices in KSEBL. “This module is intended to impart knowledge essential for working in KSEBL and is based on the syllabus for engineers and supervisors engaged in the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants, their associated substations, transmission, and distribution systems,” a top KSEBL official said.
Module II is compulsory on job /in-plant training in the various installations of KSEBL. This module will be different in content, venue and duration for recruits posted in Generation, Transmission and Distribution wings. For those in Generation, it will be 80 days; for Transmission, 27 days; and Distribution, 12 days. “There are complaints that some of the newly recruited assistant engineers who are undergoing Induction-Level Statutory Training have given resignation letter as they have got appointment elsewhere,” the official said.
It is to prevent such drop-outs that the chief engineer (human resource management) has decided to extend the bond period by a year. If the bond is broken before Module I, the recruit will have to pay Rs 50,000. If one of the modules have been completed, the exit money would be Rs 1 lakh. However, if the bond is broken after acquiring statutory certification, the engineer will have to pay Rs 5 lakh for release.
