Several ex and current apprentices along with local CPI (M) leaders picketed at the entrance of the Golden Rock Railway Workshop in Ponmalai in the first week of August, alleging that the railways showed bias by recruiting north Indians for Grade 3 posts like Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), technicians (electrical/mechanical), fitter, and welder.
The protestors alleged that the railway officials discriminated against candidates from Tamil Nadu and were giving preference to north Indian candidates to fill Grade 3 posts while there were several from the state who had finished apprenticeships and have been waiting for jobs since 2008. They also raised questions about how the new recruits were allowed inside Tamil Nadu at this time when there are restrictions to travel between states. They asked whether the candidates carried e-pass and had swab tests done while subjecting themselves to mandatory quarantine period of 14 days. The protestors alleged that the new recruits from other states who had come to Tamil Nadu by flight for certificate verification did not quarantine themselves and that the whole recruitment process was fishy and lacked transparency.
The District Collector had called for a report and a detailed report was given. The Thiruverumbur MLA had met the Chief Workshop Manager (CWM) and gave a petition which was forwarded to the Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO).
Background
On 3rd February 2018, the Railway Recruitment Board issued the notification calling for applications to the post of ALPs and technicians to fill the vacancies in different Zonal Railways and Production units. There were a total of 945 vacancies (ALPs and technicians) put together for Integral Coach Factory and Southern Railways.
The minimum qualification for the post of ALP is an ITI/Diploma or an Engineering degree. However, for the post of technicians, only those with ITI degrees in relevant fields are eligible.
A total of 541 candidates were selected from different states and were asked to report on March 23, 2020. That is when nationwide lockdown was imposed due to COVID19 and the process had to be postponed.
Claims
The New Indian Express reported that of the 581 vacancies only 12 were selected from Tamil Nadu and that the highest numbers of vacancies were filled by those from Bihar (163) and Rajasthan (115). It also mentioned that hundreds of new recruits from outside Tamil Nadu had attended the document verification process at the Railway Wedding Hall flouting lockdown and social distancing norms.
Truth
Were TN candidates discriminated?
The RRB has confirmed that of the total candidates who had applied, 51% were from Tamil Nadu. A total of 3218 candidates have been selected for the post of ALP and technicians of which 17% are from Tamil Nadu. Of the candidates selected for ALP, 53% of the candidates are from Tamil Nadu, the CPRO of Southern Railways said.
Yes, it is true that of the 541 vacancies for technicians only 12 from Tamil Nadu have been selected. However, the reason for this anomaly is that most of the candidates from Tamil Nadu are overqualified for the post of technicians as the qualification for the post demands only an ITI/Diploma. It is for a fact that southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has a large proportion of engineering graduates than diploma holders. That is the reason why a significant number of ALP vacancies have been filled by candidates from Tamil Nadu as engineering degree holders are eligible to apply for this post.
Did those who came from other states flout lockdown norms?
As the nationwide lockdown was relaxed, the new recruits were notified to report for document verification from August 3 onwards. They were given clear instructions about the mandatory quarantine period before the document verification. Most of them had come by flights and some by special trains. They were subjected to swab tests and their results tested negative. After the mandatory 14 days quarantine period, they were issued Tamil Nadu e-pass to report to the workshop. The candidates who appeared for Certificate Verification were permitted only if they produced relevant documents in connection with Quarantine, SWAB test results and adherence to all Protocols laid down by Ministry of Home Affairs.
The new recruits were asked to report at 10:00AM but a few of them reached the Railway Kalyana Mandapam at 08:00 AM. The verification officials had reached the premises around 09:30 AM. Also, of the 114 people called on August 4, only 63 persons reported for the day and not in hu
Why aren’t ex-apprentices given these jobs?
As per the Apprentices Act, 1961, Indian Railways engages apprentices in workshops and production units to impart technical training and develop skilled manpower. Under the Act, there is no guarantee of permanent employment upon completion of apprenticeship. However, the Railway Board allocates 20% posts in RRC (Level-1) recruitments for which the apprentices who have completed their training can apply and qualify.