Chandigarh, September 1
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has strongly condemned the neglect of 33 percent reservation for women in the posts of assistant linemen by the Power Department of the state (Powercom). Senior leader of the party and Deputy Leader of Opposition, Saravjit Kaur Manuke said that Powercom’s demand for exemption from 33 percent reservation for women in the jobs of assistant linemen exposed the narrow mindedness of the Congress government towards women.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters here on Wednesday, Saravjit Kaur Manuke said it was wrong to exclude women from the recruitment of assistant linemen. She said if women can get the job of assistant linemen in 2016 and 2019; on what basis is Powercom now seeking exemption from reservation of women? Manuke said although the main duty of assistant linemen is not to work on the poles; yet when our girls can climb the Himalayas, what is the pole? “If girls have qualifications then why can’t they work?” she added.
Manunke further said that if the number of applications received from eligible girls in the vacancies released is less than the 33 per cent reservation ratio, then the male candidates can be recruited in their place; but keeping girls out of the recruitment process would be a decision with an anti-woman mentality.
The AAP leader said the constitution of the country provides government job opportunities to every citizen; that is why reservation has been provided in the Constitution. She said the Powercom should not take away this right when the government has given 33 percent rights to women in government jobs through laws. Manuke demanded that the government ensure 33 percent reservation for women in government jobs.
