Team Sampada: Can you please give an overview about your career and journey so far for the benefit of our readers?
Parijatha: I am presently working as Assistant Director of Factories under Labour Ministry, Govt. of Karnataka. As an enforcement authority we have to look after the implementation of Factories Act and Rules in the premise of the factory. It also includes investigation of accidents, dangerous occurrences, complaints by stakeholders. We also impart and educate the workers and employers regarding safety, health, welfare by having periodic trainings, conducting mock drills and thus preventing any untoward incidents and also preparing them to mitigate the losses in case of unforeseen accidents. In about 7 years of my journey in the Dept, everyday we have to face new challenges, I am immensely happy about it because my job is never monotonous as by addressing these challenges I am providing justice to the aggrieved citizen. Thus I can proudly say I am there to protect the rights of workers in the organized sector, & act as a bridge between employers and employees.
TS: Currently being a Govt Servant (Assistant Director of Factories) is definitely a challenge. We would like to know how UVCE prepared you for it?
Pari: The college atmosphere was conducive to take up placements and thus like most of my batchmates I too ended up getting placed. I selected to work at iGate global solutions just because they offered me Bangalore as the location. But the environment and exposure received at UVCE always makes us to go a bit far and grab the opportunity ahead of us. I was slightly inclined at civil services because of the push from my mom as well. But the leadership quality and the examples set by our seniors, professors, made me think that I have potential to achieve something in competitive exams. Students of UVCE are the cream of top rankers, so I think coming to UVCE means we are already ahead in this competitive world.
TS: Our readers would like to hear some interesting scenarios you had to face in the public domain and how you tackled those issues.
Pari: Although a woman works on par with the men and most of the time works better than men, there is always gender inequalities and ego issues which comes across, be it private or public sector. So a woman has to stand firmly on her words and be confident in what she does. For example, a man will apply for an opening even if he is not prepared for it. But a woman will not apply for it even though she is 75% prepared. The fear of failing will prevent her from going for it. Perfection is one quality where women feel is a must, which is a hindrance in the job. So by being confident and being practical one can come out of any kind of situation. In the course of work, many times there are pressures from outside factors, handling them will makes you a better officer.
TS: There are many students of UVCE who are planning to join the Govt sector. What advice would you like to give them?
Pari: UVCEians are found in each and every department of the govt. Most of the heads of the depts are from UVCE. Being a UVCEian itself gives you an edge over others in cracking the exams. With the changing pattern in govt exams, Candidates must now concentrate on general studies and current affairs too along with technical subjects. With women reservation 33% of all the jobs are reserved for women is a golden opportunity for women aspirants. The immense satisfaction one gets when you solve problems of the people can be a motivating factor for all the aspirants. Being empathetic is a positive aspect for women. I wish good luck too all the aspirants who aspire to become government servants and bring about the change they want to see in the society.
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