Patna, March 2: Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (Pesu) has not filled up the 91 posts of junior linesmen and switchboard operators despite a Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) direction. Pesu has been facing a technical employee crunch of late.

Both junior linesmen and switch button operators play a crucial role in carrying out smooth power supply through distribution system. The former carry out repair work of fuse calls and the latter look after the maintenance of power sub-station. The switch button operators also keep a tab on providing power supply to a particular area.

The power board, on December 28 last year, issued a letter directing all general managers of seven area boards, including general managers of transmission and generation departments, to appoint all the junior linesmen and switch button operators, numbering about 1,000 across the state, within a week.

Six area boards in the state have complied with the power board’s directive but Pesu has not completed the process of appointments even after the lapse of two months.

The board had taken a decision that candidates, who were working with the board as Grade IV employees, having a minimum of matriculation degree would be given three months Industrial Training Institute (ITI) training. They were given on-the-job training for a year by the board with a purpose to absorb them in the service.

Pesu, which is currently working with about 300 technical employees, is facing acute shortage of junior linesmen. The number of sanctioned posts of junior linesmen is 260, while that of switchboard operators is 180.

Bihar Jharkhand Rajya Vidyut Parishad Field Kamgar Union’s general secretary Amarendra Prasad Mishra said: “I have met Pesu general manager thrice and each time he has said the appointments would be made soon.”

Pesu deputy general manager Arun Kumar Shrivastava told The Telegraph: “The process is going on. The appointments would be made soon.”