Environmental Science graduates excluded from Telangana PCB recruitment, seek change in eligibility; applications deadline on July 17

Candidates with Environmental Science qualifications from colleges affiliated to Osmania University and other State universities in Telangana are a worried and excluded lot.

Their two-year Master’s degree in Environmental Science equips them with knowledge covering nearly three-fourths of the syllabus prescribed for Assistant Environment Engineer (AEE) recruitment by the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC). Yet, they remain ineligible as they do not possess engineering degrees.

Notification for 19 AEE posts

The Commission, on June 2, notified recruitment for 19 AEE posts in the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB). The notification restricts eligibility to candidates with Bachelor’s degrees in civil, mechanical, chemical, biotechnology, mining, or environmental engineering, or a B.Tech./B.E. in any branch along with a postgraduate degree in environmental engineering.

The syllabus for Paper 2, carrying 300 marks, along with Paper 1 on General Studies and General Abilities carrying 150 marks, covers 10 chapters, including ecosystems, natural resources, biodiversity, engineering materials, fluid mechanics and hydraulics, process calculations and thermodynamics, pollution control technologies, solid and industrial waste management, global environmental issues, and environmental impact assessment. Candidates point out that eight of these areas form part of their Master’s coursework.

Aspirants cite Karnataka and Central recruitment

Speaking to The Hindu, they argued that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, in 2018, allowed relevant postgraduate candidates for Assistant Environmental Officer posts, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reserved posts for both engineering graduates and postgraduate degree holders for the same 62 Scientist B vacancies in 2022.

Their representations with adequate evidence were acknowledged by Telangana Planning Board Vice-Chairman G. Chinna Reddy at the Chief Minister’s Praja Vani and by the Special Chief Secretary, who is also ex-officio Chairman of the State PCB. However, no further action has followed.

The candidates also claimed that several M.Sc graduates are already working as environmental engineers under the State’s Municipal Administration Department. The aspirants appealed to the government to amend the notification and provide them with an opportunity to apply. Applications for the AEE posts began on June 10 and will close on July 17.