Has the Odisha Government Reaffirmed Its Commitment to Fill 1.5 Lakh Vacancies on a Merit Basis?
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Synopsis
The Odisha government has reiterated its dedication to fulfilling its electoral promise of filling 1.5 lakh vacant posts for the youth, emphasizing a merit-based and transparent recruitment process. This marks a significant shift in addressing unemployment and restoring faith in government recruitment practices.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha government is committed to filling 1.5 lakh vacancies over five years.
- Merit will be the sole criterion for job recruitment.
- 37,371 appointment letters issued in the last 18 months.
- Efforts to fill an additional 65,000 vacancies are underway.
- Criticism arises regarding past recruitment practices and current handling of unemployment.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (NationPress) The government of Odisha has once again emphasized its pledge to fulfill its electoral commitment of filling 1.5 lakh vacant positions for the youth within the state during its five-year term, adhering strictly to merit-based selection and a transparent hiring process.
While addressing an adjournment motion presented by opposition party members concerning the issue of vacant government roles, the rising unemployment crisis, and youth migration, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan declared in the Odisha Assembly, “In the state of Odisha, from this point onward, merit, not money, will be the sole standard for employment. We are determined to fill 1.5 lakh vacant posts over the next five years based exclusively on merit and transparency. This is your government, one that acknowledges your challenges and is devoted to ensuring your future.”
Harichandan highlighted that in the past 18 months, appointment letters have been successfully distributed to 37,371 candidates for permanent government roles. He pointed out that the state government has already initiated efforts on a war footing to fill an additional 65,000 vacant positions.
The Minister elaborated on the steps taken by the state government over the last year and a half to tackle unemployment, linking the issue to policy stagnation and an unannounced ban on recruitments instituted by the previous administration.
In a critique of the former BJD government, Harichandan stressed that the BJP-led administration has transitioned the state away from the bleak period of the ‘outsourcing system’ towards a transparent environment of ‘statutory recruitment’.
“The previous government intentionally and through a calculated conspiracy halted regular recruitment, replacing it with a widespread and exploitative outsourcing model. This system was not designed to enhance administrative efficiency but merely served as a means to benefit the old political establishment and to accommodate their party loyalists,” the minister asserted.
In response, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik claimed on Friday that the state government has utterly failed to confront the unemployment crisis. She criticized the recurring incidents of question leaks before recruitment examinations as a cruel mockery of the thousands of job seekers in the state, highlighting the government's shortcomings.
Point of View
The commitment of the Odisha government to fill vacancies on merit is a positive step towards enhancing transparency and efficiency in public service recruitment. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to address youth unemployment in India, a critical issue that affects the nation's future.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the commitment of the Odisha government regarding job vacancies?
The Odisha government has committed to filling 1.5 lakh vacant positions based on merit and transparency over the next five years.
How many appointments have been made in the last 18 months?
In the past 18 months, appointment letters have been issued to 37,371 candidates for permanent government positions.
What are the measures taken to address unemployment in Odisha?
The government has initiated a recruitment process to fill an additional 65,000 vacant positions and has outlined steps to tackle unemployment linked to previous recruitment policies.
How does the current government plan to ensure merit in recruitment?
The government has stated that merit, rather than financial influence, will be the sole criterion for job selection in Odisha.
What criticisms has the current government faced?
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for its handling of unemployment and issues related to recruitment examination integrity.
