There is an Equal Employment Opportunity Program, which is under the authority of the Secretary. 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. The following employees and applicants for employment are included in the Program: an employee in any unit of the Executive Branch of State government, including a unit with an independent personnel system; and 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.