In an intriguing turn of events, many B.Tech graduates in Kerala’s Ernakulam district have been queuing up to apply for the position of ‘government office peon.’ Despite holding technical degrees, they are drawn to the appeal of government jobs, which offer a monthly salary averaging ₹23,000.
The aspirants, who may seem overqualified for the job role, emphasize the benefits of government employment, including job security and regular working hours. For this particular position, applicants are only required to possess a Class-7 qualification and successfully complete a ‘bicycle ride’ test.
K. Prasanth, a resident of Kochi with a diploma in banking who also operates a cafe, expressed his aspiration to secure a government job with better income prospects. He highlighted that government organizations like the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) have the potential to offer salaries exceeding ₹30,000. Prasanth has been on the job hunt for several years, seeking a secure job with a favorable income.
One of the peculiar aspects of these government job applications is the cycling test, which is still a requirement set by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) for office assistant positions in public sector organizations like KSEB and Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE). While some argue that this test is outdated and unnecessary, officials maintain that the state’s regulations have not evolved to reflect modern transportation methods.
A PSC official explained that cycling used to be the primary mode of transport for office assistants in the past, and the government’s rules have not been updated despite advancements in transportation. It’s worth noting that the cycling test was once mandatory for various job profiles under the category of ‘last grade servants,’ but this requirement was discontinued approximately a decade ago, making it obligatory only for office assistant roles.
The official also mentioned that female and physically disabled candidates are exempted from the cycling test. The situation highlights the challenges faced by job seekers, even those with technical qualifications, in Kerala’s competitive job market. The Union Ministry of Labor and Employment reported that Kerala had the highest number of job seekers in the country, with over five lakh people actively seeking employment opportunities last year. Among these job seekers, 3.2 lakh are women.
The unconventional scenario of B.Tech graduates vying for ‘government office peon’ positions underscores the complexities of the job market and the allure of government jobs in the region.