In a landmark decision, the Orissa High Court has ruled that candidates holding a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree are not eligible to apply for the position of Junior Engineer (JE) in the state. The judgment has sparked mixed reactions among aspirants, with many questioning the rationale behind the decision.

The controversy began when several B.Tech graduates applied for JE posts advertised by various government departments in Odisha. However, authorities rejected their applications, citing overqualification. This prompted the aggrieved candidates to challenge the decision in the Orissa High Court, arguing that possessing a higher qualification should not disqualify them from the role.

Court’s Stand on Qualification Mismatch

The court, however, upheld the state government’s stance, stating that the prescribed qualification for JE posts is a diploma in engineering, not a B.Tech degree. According to the judgment, the recruitment process is specifically designed to accommodate diploma holders who have undergone training tailored for junior engineering roles.

The court observed that B.Tech graduates possess advanced technical knowledge that exceeds the requirements and expectations of a Junior Engineer’s responsibilities. Allowing them to compete with diploma holders could lead to disparity in the workplace and undermine the objective of providing suitable employment opportunities for diploma holders.

Reactions from Aspirants and Experts

The ruling has stirred debate among engineering graduates and education experts. Many B.Tech holders expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision restricts their employment opportunities, especially when job prospects for engineers remain limited in some sectors.

On the other hand, experts believe that the decision is rooted in practicality. They point out that B.Tech graduates, being overqualified, may face job dissatisfaction and higher attrition rates if appointed as JEs. Additionally, the ruling aims to safeguard diploma holders’ chances of employment in technical positions.