For years, the position of Junior Lineman in Telangana was considered a profession reserved for men. Recruitment notifications explicitly stated that only male candidates could apply, leaving women excluded before the selection process even began. However, Babburi Shirisha refused to accept those limitations. At just 22 years old, the young woman from Siddipet district made history by becoming Telangana's first woman Junior Lineman, or "linewoman," in the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) in May 2022.

Her achievement was not only a personal milestone but also a breakthrough for women seeking opportunities in traditionally male-dominated professions. What began as a dream for a better future eventually became a symbol of determination, equality, and perseverance.

A Dream Born in a Small Village

Shirisha grew up in Chebarthi village in Siddipet, where life was far from easy. Her mother worked as a daily wage labourer to support the family and ensure her daughter received an education. For Shirisha, becoming a lineman was never about making history; it was about securing a stable job and providing a better life for her family.

Early Challenges

• Raised in a financially struggling household

• Motivated by the desire to support her mother

• Dreamed of a secure government job

• Faced restrictions that prevented women from applying

When TSSPDCL announced recruitment for Junior Linemen, the eligibility criteria specified that only men could apply. While many would have accepted the rule, Shirisha chose to challenge it.

Fighting for Equal Opportunity

Along with fellow candidate V. Bharathi, Shirisha took the matter to the Telangana High Court. The case went beyond a single job opening and raised important questions about gender equality and access to employment opportunities. The court ruled in their favour, directing authorities to allow women to participate in the recruitment process.

Key Milestones

• Challenged the men-only recruitment policy

• Won legal support from the Telangana High Court

• Opened recruitment opportunities for women

• Became a symbol of equal opportunity in public service

The court victory removed the barrier, but Shirisha still had to prove she could meet the demanding requirements of the job.

Conquering the 8-Metre Pole Challenge

The Junior Lineman selection process includes written examinations, physical fitness assessments, and the challenging eight-metre electric pole climbing test. Determined to succeed, Shirisha trained extensively with the help of her uncle and practised climbing poles repeatedly in her village.

Her hard work paid off as she successfully passed both the written examination and the physically demanding pole-climbing test, proving that women are equally capable of excelling in the profession.

The Appointment That Changed History

In May 2022, then Energy Minister G. Jagadish Reddy handed Shirisha her appointment letter. She was posted to the Medchal circle of TSSPDCL, officially becoming Telangana's first woman Junior Lineman.

Speaking after receiving her appointment, Shirisha expressed her happiness and excitement about finally achieving her dream. The moment marked not only a personal victory but also a historic achievement for women across the state.

A Daughter's Promise

Behind Shirisha's success stood her mother, who spent years doing physically demanding labour to support the family. After securing her job, Shirisha's first priority was to care for the woman who had sacrificed so much for her future.

What Success Meant to Shirisha

Providing financial security for her family
Helping her mother retire from hard labour
Fulfilling a lifelong promise of support and gratitude
Creating opportunities for future generations of women

"It is time to give back to my mother," Shirisha said, reflecting the personal motivation behind her remarkable journey.

More Than a Historic First

While India has witnessed women breaking barriers in aviation, business, sports, and defence, many physically demanding professions still remain largely male-dominated. Shirisha's story is about more than becoming the first woman lineworker in Telangana. It is a reminder that true progress begins when people are given the chance to compete based on their abilities rather than their gender.

Her journey demonstrates that barriers are not always broken through extraordinary acts. Sometimes, change begins when one person refuses to accept a rule that says, "You cannot even try."

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