Sweeper wannabes to face interview

YES, FOR the first time Safai workers would be appointed after an interview. The LMC has formed a committee for the appointment of safai workers.

Can you sweep well? How long can you sweep? Many such question may be asked by the selectors to pick the right sweeper.

After the directives from the State Government, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation invited applications for 1,748 contractual posts for sweepers.

LMC officials have received 3,981 applications for the posts. Out of which 17 are from the upper caste. There are some graduates who have applied for the job but the officials were unable to come out with their exact numbers. Nagar Swasthya Adhikari BBS Rathore says this is not for the first time that some higher caste people have applied for the job. There are more than 20 such sweepers working with the LMC.

“Yes, the selection of sweepers is not based on the caste factors. Still most of the sweepers are from two specific communities. But, we have some sweepers from upper caste and minority communities too. They are also performing their jobs well,” said Rathore.

Speaking on the fairness of selection process, he added,

“The sole criteria for selection in LMC is merit. We don’t entertain ‘weights’. This time a committee comprising municipal commissioner, Chief Nagar Swasthya Adhikari, two officials from district administration has been set up for interviews.” “The process of scrutiny of forms is in full swing, we would be finalising the list of eligible candidates till Saturday. The interviews would be conducted next week. There would be nearly 200 interviews per day, whole process is expected to be completed in fifteen days,” said Rathore.

Speaking on the necessity of interviews for the post of sweepers he said, “ It’s the decision taken by the bosses but one can test the attitude of candidate through meeting him once.” The selection of 641 safai workers working with LMC presently is almost finalised, these 641 safai workers had been working with LMC from last 10 years on daily wages that’s why these workers would be given preference over the freshers. Those working under the Swachkar Vimukti Yojana would also be given special preference in the whole selection process. There are nearly 100 such safai workers under this category.

The leaders of safai workers community are busy in taking the credit of these appointments in the LMC, some leaders are busy in promising the jobs to the applicants from their side because they know 1 out of 3 men applied for the job is sure to get the job.