Staff shortage: 3,965 powermen posts in Mescom yet to be filled

Mangaluru: Shortage of powermen is affecting the functioning of Mescom, which covers Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. The services of powermen are most essential during monsoon to clear line breakages and other natural calamity-related damages. However, Mescom functions with 42% of the sanctioned posts of powermen remaining vacant. Out of 9,248 sanctioned posts, 3,965 are yet to be filled. Hence, Mescom is forced to hire powermen, who will work on a temporary basis during monsoon.Mescom chairman Harish Kumar said that only 5,283 powermen are working at present. The process of recruitment of 465 powermen is in its final stage. Candidates have already appeared for the written test, and a physical test is yet to be conducted. The final appointment order is likely to be issued by next month. He said people from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi do not apply for the posts of powermen. "If we receive 1,000 applications, we do not get more than 50 from the coastal districts. Hence, people from other districts get appointments," he said.Initially, powermen did not have the option to avail transfers. Later, the rules were amended. Currently, nearly 400 powermen have sought transfers. However, the company has not issued their relieving orders. They will be relieved soon after newly appointed powermen join the company, he said, adding that the shortage crisis will continue in Mescom even after the new recruitments.Mescom appoints staff on a temporary basis to respond to rain-related damages and line breakages. Accordingly, there will be five temporary staff working under each assistant executive engineer. They will assist powermen during emergency situations. In fact, there are many persons, who have the experience of working with Mescom on a contract basis. However, due to lack of educational qualifications and other requirements, they could not be appointed as permanent staff, he added.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.