Will Thousands of Unemployed Youth Protest Against the 'Job Trainee Policy' in Mandi on July 31?

Mandi, July 28 (NationPress) The Himachal Unemployed Youth Federation announced a significant protest rally scheduled for July 31 in Mandi, expressing strong discontent regarding the Himachal Pradesh government's newly implemented Job Trainee Policy.

The Federation asserts that this policy undermines the hard work and abilities of unemployed youth who have dedicated years to preparing for government positions.

During a press conference held in Mandi, Federation leader Vishal Mandotra shared that over a thousand young individuals are anticipated to participate in the rally.

He denounced the policy as “a total blow to the unemployed youth,” accusing the government of consistently jeopardizing their future.

“A youth invests years of rigorous study and preparation to secure a job, yet the government fails to acknowledge this dedication. Instead, they subject them to tests and filters through dubious policies. The Job Trainee Policy serves merely as an excuse to favor certain candidates through private companies while neglecting deserving applicants,” stated Vishal Mandotra.

The Federation has claimed that such policies pave the way for backdoor entries and favoritism, warning that larger protests will ensue if the government does not retract the policy.

“On July 31, over a thousand youth will take to the streets of Mandi to demand the repeal of this policy,” he asserted.

Mandotra further questioned the intentions and understanding of the state leadership.

“Initially, it was the guest teacher policy that forced thousands of educated youth onto the streets. Following massive protests, it was retracted. Now, we have the Job Trainee Policy. I doubt the Chief Minister has even perused the entire policy document,” he added.

He highlighted that the policy explicitly states that candidates protesting against commission-based selection criteria will forfeit their eligibility for government benefits.

“This is an effort to stifle dissent and push through a flawed system. The government has created a perfect avenue for backdoor recruitment in TGT, JBT, medical, and other positions via third-party agencies,” Mandotra said.

He underscored that the protest on July 31 in Mandi is just the starting point.

“This is not a fleeting movement. Should the government neglect to respond, we will escalate our protests to Shimla. We are dedicated to opposing this policy for as long as necessary. The youth of Himachal will not stand for such injustice,” he declared.

Pawan, an unemployed youth preparing for competitive exams, also voiced his frustration.

“The issues are systemic, yet it’s the unemployed who bear the brunt. If the state has faith in its examination process, why does it continuously introduce new tests and policies? It seems like a deliberate attempt to demoralize us,” he expressed.

Pawan added that he along with many peers have devoted years to preparing for government roles, sacrificing personal time and finances, only to learn that opportunities may now hinge on private agencies and arbitrary evaluations.

“Such policies must be abolished immediately. They are damaging the spirit of our youth.”