The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has decided to engage contract workers to ensure uninterrupted supply and improve maintenance, even as 40 per cent of field assistant and wireman posts are remaining vacant. According to the proceedings approved by Tangedco Chairman and Managing Director dated December 16, the utility has approved carrying out day-to-day maintenance through the work contract system in the sub-divisions of the distribution circles for three years.

Tangedco is to be involved in outsourcing maintenance activities by engaging contract workers in various wings, including day-to-day operation and maintenance of sub stations, overhead high tension cables and even small hydro stations. As per the staff strength as on March 31, 2020, the utility has 51,193 vacant posts out of the sanctioned staff strength of 1,35,470. In the RWE category, including field assistant and wireman, 37,128 out of 89,803 posts are vacant. 

“Due to huge vacancies in the field assistants and wireman categories, there will be a delay in attending to complaints. By engaging contract workers, we will be able to overcome manpower shortage,” a senior official said. Trade union leaders complained  “Tangedco management seems to be interested in cutting down salary cost but not keen on providing employment opportunities to educated youth". As per the department order,  the contractor have to deploy a minimum of 20 labourers and the bill would be paid based on the works in unit rate basis. 

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