Change of norms confuses job seekers in sericulture department

Initially, selection was for 14 AIS and 157 JIS vacancies but when a department employee went to court on experience norms being relaxed, the Madras High Court stayed JIS selection but allowed it if new norms are framed. Thus online registration ended on Thursday for 43 AIS and 257 JIS posts vacant from 2013. Confusion was due to initial norms demanding attendance at the Hosur Sericulture Training Institute’s six-month course or TNAU’s post-graduate diploma in sericulture which are not 

necessary as per new norms. 

The norms changed on May 9, 2015, state that even untrained candidates are eligible to apply. Not only that, the department has stated that candidate selection would be through employment exchanges. The eligible candidates were asked to come there on January 6 for verification of their educational qualifications. But this too was cancelled and the candidates were asked to register online till January 27. 

As both posts offer good salaries (more than Rs 25,000 for AIS and Rs 16,000 for JIS post) the website “Tamil Nadu government jobs” has many IT (information technology), ECE (electronics and communication engineering) and BBA (Bachelor in Business administration) candidates eager to know whether they are eligible to apply. The answer is ‘yes’ if they have undergone short-term training in sericulture.

Asked about this, Sericulture Deputy Director P Subramaniam said, “There would have been no confusion if candidates perused the official government notification instead of going by other publications or websites.” Also only registration was allowed online, but written tests will be held to select candidates. Department Joint Director M Anbalagan said chosen candidates would be given six months’ training. “They should join duty immediately,” he added.