Editor,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the allocation of assistant engineer (AE) posts in the upcoming AE recruitment examinations to be conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), specifically in the Rural Works Department (RWD), Water Resources Department (WRD), and the Hydropower Development Department.
It has come to my attention that in the 2018 APPSC AE recruitment, all six AE positions in the WRD were filled exclusively by candidates holding degrees in agricultural engineering, with no representation from civil engineering graduates. This outcome has raised concerns about equitable opportunities for civil engineering aspirants in WRD, especially considering that both disciplines are integral to the functioning of these departments.
In contrast, the Power Department has demonstrated a commendable approach by clearly delineating AE positions among various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, electronics, and computer science. This structured allocation ensures that candidates from each discipline have fair opportunities aligned with their expertise.
Furthermore, in the 2020 APPSC junior engineer recruitment, all 63 JE (civil) positions in the RWD were filled by candidates with civil engineering backgrounds, with no representation from agricultural engineering graduates. This inconsistency in the allocation of posts between the two disciplines across different departments and recruitment cycles underscores the need for a more balanced and transparent approach.
Given the overlapping yet distinct roles that civil and agricultural engineers play in infrastructure development, water resource management, and hydropower projects, it is imperative to establish a transparent and balanced distribution of AE posts between these disciplines. Such a measure would not only uphold the principles of fairness and meritocracy but also ensure that the diverse technical needs of these departments are met effectively.
Therefore, I earnestly request the APPSC to clearly specify the number of AE vacancies allocated to civil and agricultural engineering disciplines in the upcoming recruitment notifications for RWD, WRD, and the Hydropower Development Department to ensure that the selection process reflects this allocation, providing equitable opportunities for candidates from both disciplines.
By adopting these measures, the APPSC can reinforce its commitment to equitable recruitment practices and harness the diverse skill sets of engineers to advance the state’s development goals.
An aspirant