‘Pink Zone’ policy flouted, male officials appointed

Jaipur: State govt has appointed two male officials—an assistant executive engineer (AEN) and a junior engineer (JEN)—to the Malviya Nagar division of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), violating a 2023 notification issued by the previous Congress govt that designated the area as an all-women "Pink Zone."
The Congress-led govt had mandated that only women officials be posted in the Malviya Nagar division. Former PHED minister Mahesh Joshi condemned the BJP administration's move, calling it a "preposterous" decision.
"By appointing male officials in a zone designated exclusively for women, the present govt has demeaned women residents worldwide," Joshi told TOI. "We introduced this policy as a mark of respect to women officials. However, about a month ago, the BJP govt disrupted this precedent by appointing male officials. Through this action, the govt has not only attempted to overturn our decision but has disrespected all women."
When contacted, PHED chief engineer (Urban and NWR) Manish Beniwal acknowledged the mistake. "The department erred by appointing a JEN and an AEN in this division. We have already transferred the AEN and will be transferring the JEN soon," he said.
The Pink Division was inaugurated on Oct 10, 2023, by Joshi, who had pledged to establish at least one such division in each PHED region across the state. The all-women team of approximately 80 officials was assigned to serve a population of 3.6 lakh residents across 23 wards of JMC-G.
However, about a month ago, the govt posted a junior engineer in the division, which comprises Malviya Nagar, Durgapura, and Jagatpura. "Amit Sirdhana has been appointed as junior engineer for Jagatpura sub-division. There was a roster of engineers whose transfers were permissible only within Jaipur city limits. As sanctioned strength of AENs and JENs in other offices was full, they were transferred here," a PHED official said.