Why This Rajasthan Legislator's Son is in Queue for Peon's Job

Jaipur:

Most of the politicians want their children to follow in their footsteps but a Rajasthan MLA wants his son to chart his course according to his eligibility.

BJP legislator Heera Lal Verma does not want his class VIII pass son, Hansraj, to join politics and considers him good for a peon's job, for which he appeared for an interview at Krishi Upaj Mandi (Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board) in Ajmer on Friday.

Mr Verma did not want him to do any other "work which is beyond his capabilities or eligibility".

A two-time MLA from Tonk district, Mr Verma, who was a state government officer before joining politics, said his son being "less educated" was eligible for only this kind of job.

"My son Hansraj works in a private clinic in Niwai and earns Rs 5,000 per month. He was weak in studies and could not clear secondary exam (class X). So this is the only option available to him... I will not encourage him to involve in any work or business which is higher than his capabilities or eligibility," the MLA told PTI on Saturday.

"It is unusual but not a sin or anything wrong," Mr Verma replied when some of his counterparts questioned his son's decision to apply for peon's job.

"After all, it is the matter of leading an honest life. I will not encourage my children to use unfair means to lead a 'prosperous' life. He said the interview went well and he would get the job on the basis of his performance only," he said adding that the recruitment process would be transparent.

"I am a post graduate in three subjects and also a gold medalist. I worked as Deputy Director in Social Welfare Department and I know that getting a government job will make his future secure. He could not continue his studies so this type of job is suitable for him," he said.

Mr Verma's eldest ex-councilor son is a businessman, another has recently graduated and is currently preparing for competitive exams and his daughter is pursuing B.Ed.