2,600 youth to be engaged in state electricity board

The government has approved the engagement of over 2,600 youth in Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL), including 1,602 Bijli Upbhogta Mitras and 1,000 T-Mates, to strengthen electricity services across the state. “It is for the first time in the recent history that such a large number of job recruitment will take place in the HPSEBL,” said a government spokesperson.

He further said that the decision had been taken to address the shortage of field staff and to ensure efficient and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers. At present, there are 4,009 sanctioned posts of T-Mates, out of which 3,049 are laying vacant, adversely affecting operations and delivery of services. “To overcome this situation, the government has decided to engage 1,602 Bijli Upbhogta Mitras against vacant posts of T-Mates at the circle level, in addition to filling up 1,000 posts of T-Mates,” said the spokesperson.

The Bijli Upbhogta Mitras will be appointed by an authorised government agency from among eligible candidates who have passed matriculation and hold an ITI certificate in Electrical/Wireman trade from a recognized institution. The prescribed age limit for applicants is 18 to 30 years.

The spokesperson added that field staff is backbone of the HPSEBL, ensuring efficient power supply and playing a vital role in repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring electricity during disasters. Electricity being an essential service, strengthening this workforce will greatly benefit consumers. “The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment towards ensuring better services for consumers, while simultaneously creating gainful employment opportunities for local youth,” he said.

According to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, 23,191 youth have been employed in the government sector alone to in the last two-and-a-half years. “Going forward, new avenues of employment as well as self-employment opportunities will be created to benefit the youth of the state,” said the spokesperson. — TNS