Environmental graduates in Telangana demand equal opportunity

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

M.Sc. Environmental Science and M.Sc. Chemistry graduates have urged the Telangana Government and the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) to extend eligibility for the post of Assistant Environmental Engineer (AEE) under TGPSC Notification No. 02/OG/PC/2026, stating that qualified candidates have been unfairly excluded from the recruitment process.

The candidates said Environmental Science is a specialised discipline covering pollution control, environmental protection, waste management, environmental impact assessment and environmental laws. They claimed nearly 90 per cent of the AEE examination syllabus overlaps with the M.Sc. Environmental Science curriculum, making them suitable for the post.

They also demanded that Telangana amend its decades-old recruitment rules in line with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and several other State Pollution Control Boards, which recognise M.Sc. Environmental Science and M.Sc. Chemistry graduates for similar technical positions. They suggested bifurcating engineering and science posts in a 60:40 ratio and including Environmental Science graduates for Assistant Scientist posts as well.

Addressing the gathering at Osmania University, social activist Bakka Judson said, "Environmental Science and Chemistry graduates are the real subject experts in pollution control. Other states have recognised their qualifications, but Telangana has denied them the opportunity. At a time when pollution is increasing and projects like Musi rejuvenation require skilled professionals, the government should utilise their expertise instead of excluding them."

Representations were submitted on July 4 to the TGPCB Chairman along with MLC Prof. Kodandaram, besides petitions to the Chief Minister's Prajavani, the TGPCB Member Secretary and TGPSC officials.

With the application deadline ending on July 17, the candidates appealed to the TGPCB Chairman to immediately revise the eligibility criteria and allow M.Sc. Environmental Science and Chemistry graduates to apply, saying the move would ensure equal opportunity and strengthen environmental governance in Telangana.