Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Nov 11: To create employment opportunities for locals, MESCOM has initiated a free, three-day training program on climbing and descending electric poles, which began on Monday, November 11 at the Gandhi Maidan in Kundapur.

Around 80 candidates with SSLC qualifications participated in the training. Experienced staff from MESCOM's Kundapur division provided guidance on the techniques of climbing and descending electric poles. For safety, medical department personnel and police staff were deployed. Notably, Nayana, a local girl, was among the participants. The training was organized under the supervision of senior and junior officials from the Kundapur division. The program is set to continue for two more days.

Speaking on the occasion, Yashavanth, executive engineer of MESCOM's Kundapur operations and maintenance division, mentioned that KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) is preparing for the recruitment of junior line workers. MESCOM is offering this training to help local candidates prepare for recruitment, as many fail in the climbing test during selection, thereby losing out on employment opportunities. The training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to succeed in the recruitment process and secure jobs.

Several youth attending the training expressed their concerns, stating that MESCOM should prioritize local candidates during recruitment. They urged that those who have completed the training should be considered during the selection process. They also requested that SSLC marks should not be the only criterion for recruitment and that local candidates be given priority. Many qualified candidates, despite performing well in MESCOM exams, miss opportunities due to the emphasis on SSLC marks. The trainees urged MLAs and MPs to pressure the government to prioritize local candidates and ensure they benefit from employment opportunities.