HON’BLE SHRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO W.P. No.13731 of 1998 10.7.2007 Between A.Mallesham and others ..Petitioners AND Member Secretary, A.P.S.E. Board and another ..Respondents :: JUDGMENT :: HON’BLE SHRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO W.P. No.13731 of 1998 This writ petition has been instituted by five petitioners seeking a declaration that the action of the second respondent – Chief Engineer (R&M), A.P. State Electricity Board in subjecting the petitioners to the test to find out their suitability for regularization, is incorrect. It is not in dispute that as per the scheme enunciated by the A.P.S.E.B. through its B.P.Ms.No.36 dated 18.5.1997, fifty per cent of the existing vacancies in the initial recruitment cadre are required to be filled by considering the cases of ex-casual labour. Therefore to select the best and most suitable amongst such ex-casual labour, the selection process has been devised comprising the following tests: a) Reading and writing; b) Physical appearance; c) i) Cycling ii) Climbing of Boiler up to drum level by stair case and come back. d) Identification of T & P like cutting plairs, Screw drivers, different hammers, different spanners, wrenches, earth rods etc., and their usage. e) To read instruments like pressure gauges, thermometers, energy meters etc., f) Opening and closing values, identification of their position with respect to opening and closing. Only these candidates who have passed all O&M tests will be treated as qualified. The petitioners herein have all been subjected to these tests and the petitioners have failed in meter reading tests and the same was informed to them through the proceedings dated 23.4.1998. The respondents have specifically asserted that such of those casual labour who seek appointment as Junior Plant Attendants of the electrical installations should have the basic knowledge to take out meter reading as it is so essentially needed while discharging the functions of maintenance of the plant. The basic qualification prescribed for the post of Junior Plant Attendant is a pass in Certificate Course in Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I.) in Electrician/Mechanic/Fitter Trade whereas while undertaking the cases of the ex casual labour, they were exempted from possessing such a qualification. Therefore, any test intended to ascertain the basic and elementary knowledge, which is essentially required for discharge of functions as Junior Plant Attendant, cannot be faulted as an unreasonable standard of selection of ex-casual labour. The tests enumerated above are all intended to ascertain the basic requirements of the job. I do not find any merit in the writ petition and it is accordingly, dismissed, but however, without costs. ________________________________ NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO.J. 10.7.2007 psr