MLA’s son opts for peon’s test

Is it a sin, asks MLA, who was a government officer before

In a step that may stun his fellow candidates, Hansraj Verma, son of BJP MLA Heeralal Verma, applied for a peon’s post in the Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board.

Hansraj, who is looked upon as the MLA’s son in at Niwai constituency in Tonk district, works in a private hospital and was nonchalant after appear- ing for the interview on Thursday.

“The interview was good. As I am not much qualified, job options are really limited for me. If I get this job, my future will be secured and chances are that I might become a permanent staff,” Mr Hansraj said.

However, his father Heera Lal Verma, who was a state government officer before joining the politics and became MLA for the second time, was not happy about the media and fellow MLAs’ curiosity regarding his son’s job.

“Has he done any crime? Is it necessary that a politician’s son becomes a politician?,” he asked.

“My son is not much educated. He is only middle school pass and is eligible for this kind of job only," the MLA said.

“My son works in a private clinic in Niwai and earns `5,000 per month. He was never good at studies and could not clear Class X. So, this is the only option available to him,” he added.

Being perturbed by colleague MLAs’ enthusiasm to dig deep into the issue, Mr Verma said, “Yes, it is unusual. But is it a crime? After all, it is the matter of leading an honest life. And, I will not encourage my children to use unfair means to lead a prosper- ous life.”

Dismissing speculations of his influencing the result of the interview, the MLA said, “The interview went well and if he gets the job, it will be on the basis of his performance only.”

Mr Verma’s eldest ex-councillor son is a businessman, another son is currently preparing for competitive exams and his daughter is pursuing B.Ed degree.