Members of the Diploma-Degree Apprenticeship Association, Punjab, staged a protest outside the head office of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in Patiala on Wednesday, urging the state government and the power utility to formulate a dedicated recruitment policy for engineering graduates.
Protesters Allege Ignored Apprenticeship Experience
The association members claimed that diploma and degree engineering graduates completed one year of technical apprenticeship in the power corporation under the Apprentice Act, 1961. During this period, they gained hands-on experience in grid substations, system operations, maintenance, and protection works. However, they alleged that this experience was not recognized during recruitment processes, and no preference or reservation was provided to them.
Association leaders highlighted a paradox: while PSPCL faces a staff shortage and consumers experience delays in grievance redressal, trained apprentices remain unemployed. In some recruitments, candidates from outside Punjab secured jobs, while locally qualified technical youth continued to wait for opportunities.
Overqualification Claim Dismissed
The demonstrators further stated that diploma and degree holders were often told they were “overqualified” for certain posts, despite the department requiring technically skilled personnel. They demanded that their technical qualifications and apprenticeship experience be given due weightage in future recruitments.
Years of Pursuit Without Resolution
The association has been pursuing the issue through peaceful protests and representations to the Chief Minister, Power Minister, Finance Minister, legislators, and PSPCL officials over the past several years. However, no concrete decision has been taken, they claimed.
Association members Gurdeep Singh, Sukhmander Singh Gill, and others warned that they would intensify their agitation if the government and PSPCL authorities failed to address their demand.
