In Haryana, as the 2024 assembly elections approach, the political climate has heated up. Five days after the elections were announced, the Election Commission put a hold on ongoing government recruitment processes in Haryana. This move is a result of efforts by Congress’s ‘Bharti Roko Gang’ (Stop Recruitment Gang).
Government Jobs Over the Past DecadeFor the past ten years, the BJP has been in power in Haryana. With the aim of achieving a third consecutive victory, the BJP has entered the 2024 election battleground. From 2014 to 2024, the BJP government has provided government jobs to 150,000 unemployed citizens of the state.
Transparency in RecruitmentA noteworthy aspect of the BJP’s tenure has been bringing transparency to government jobs in Haryana. This new approach of ‘no slips, no bribery’ means that job seekers no longer need recommendations or bribes to secure government positions.
Congress Hinders Recruitment Processes
However, due to efforts by the Congress party, many recruitment processes have been stalled. The affected positions include:
- 5,600 posts in Haryana Police
- Various teaching and physical education positions through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission
- Various posts in the Haryana Public Service Commission.
Election and Recruitment ResultsWhile the BJP government is fulfilling its promise to provide government jobs to the youth, Congress has caused delays in the announcement of job results. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed concerns about violations of the code of conduct in the recruitment processes, leading to a complaint to the Election Commission.
Upon investigation, the Election Commission found that the recruitment processes had started before the election announcement and were in accordance with the current code of conduct guidelines. However, it advised that results for these recruitments by HSSC and HPSC should not be declared until after the elections are concluded.
Further Delays and ProtestsDue to the ‘Bharti Roko Gang’ of Congress, about 24,000 government job results in Haryana are pending. The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has informed that results for about 1,500 posts of first and second categories, 16,500 posts of group 56 and 57, and 6,000 police recruitment results are ready and could be released within four to five days if permitted.
In a media interaction, the chairman of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission declined to comment on government recruitments due to the electoral code, but mentioned that results for about 5,000 to 7,000 posts could be prepared by the election date. The results for the recruitment of 6,000 constables, which are already prepared, are separate from another 12,000 upcoming posts.
Youth Protest Against CongressFrustrated youths in Haryana have erupted in anger against Congress’s ‘Bharti Roko Gang’. On Wednesday, a large number of unemployed youths gathered in Chandigarh at the residence of Congress leader and former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda to protest. Clashes also occurred between the police and demonstrators, highlighting the discontent among the youth due to the stalling of recruitments.