(a) There is an Equal Employment Opportunity Program, which is under the authority of the Secretary.
(b) The purpose of the Program is to ensure a system based on merit that provides equal opportunity in employment on the basis of merit and fitness.
(c) The following employees and applicants for employment are included in the Program:
(1) an employee in any unit of the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with an independent personnel system; and
(2) an applicant for a position in the skilled service, professional service, or management service, of the State Personnel Management System or a comparable position in an independent personnel system in the Executive Branch of State government.