Editor,
This is in response to the recent letter questioning how an agricultural engineer could become a civil engineer.
Agricultural engineering graduates have consistently faced discrimination in this state’s examinations. Even though the state proudly hosts one of India’s best agricultural engineering universities, opportunities remain limited, and deserving candidates are often sidelined.
We were excluded from the agriculture development officer post, despite being eligible earlier. There are no optional subjects in public service exams, and recently, agricultural engineers weren’t even allowed to appear for the inspector (legal metrology and consumer affairs) exam – a post for which we are eligible in other states.
If our eligibility is questioned, why is there no objection when a maths optional candidate becomes an IAS officer, and engineers qualify for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS)/Forest Service (RFO)?
For anyone doubting our capabilities, I invite you to review our university syllabus. We study core engineering subjects across civil, mechanical, and electrical, along with specialised knowledge in irrigation, soil mechanics, remote sensing, etc.
Our seniors have worked in WRD and RWD for years, and there has never been any question regarding their efficiency or technical competence. We are just as capable of handling engineering responsibilities as students of any other discipline.
This pattern of exclusion must end. There should be greater awareness, fairness, and job opportunities for agricultural engineers in the state. Otherwise the state risks losing some of the finest engineers from its workforce.
An agricultural
engineering graduate