Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 23
Discontent is brewing among unemployed youth in Himachal Pradesh over the state government’s new policy to replace regular contract-based jobs with trainee positions. Job aspirants preparing for government posts have slammed the decision as a “cruel joke” and warned of launching a mass agitation if the scheme is not withdrawn within seven days.
Students studying at the public library in Shimla, a regular hub for competitive exam preparation, voiced strong criticism of the Congress-led government. “In the past two and a half years, very few government jobs have been given. Now this new notification makes it clear – the government has no intention of providing proper employment,” one of them said.
The trainee scheme proposes that candidates have to work for two years before undergoing a test to qualify for full employment. Youth have called this model unfair and insecure. “What happens to those who fail the test after two years? There’s no job security, no clarity,” another aspirant questioned.
Critics allege that instead of addressing growing unemployment, the government is “misleading the youth” with temporary measures. Several students say the policy not only delays stable employment but also undermines the dignity of work by failing to ensure long-term opportunities.
The state government has yet to respond formally to the backlash. However, student groups and youth organisations have already begun mobilising for protests if the policy is not rolled back soon.
