(a) the number of the telecom circles in Madhya Pradesh as on December 31, 1999;
(b) whether there is shortage of employees in these circles ;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to fill up the vacant posts ?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
(SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) There is only one Telecom. Circle in Madhya Pradesh as on December 31,1999.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) There is general shortage of staff in technical cadres due to non-recruitment in Group C&D cadres except Junior Telecom. Officers (JTOs). For JTOs, no direct recruitment has been made after 1996 because of revision in recruitment rules necessitated due to Fifth Pay Commission Recommendations.
(d) Madhya Pradesh Telecom. Circle has been permitted for direct recruitment in the cadre of Telecom. Technical Assistants (TTAs) and Drivers. Recruitment Rules for JTOs have been revised based on the recommendation of Fifth Central Pay Commission with upward revision in the pay scale and enhanced entry qualification. UPSC is taking action for recruitment of JTOs since it has now become gazetted Gr.`B` cadre.