Amidst the fervor of impending Lok Sabha elections, political parties are engaging in a flurry of promises, particularly in the domain of employment opportunities. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, recently unveiled five promises aimed at garnering the support of the nation’s youth. However, amidst this electoral spectacle, a stark reality looms large in Manipur: the delay in announcing results for various job recruitments, many of which have been pending for years.
In a puzzling turn of events, recruitment notifications have been issued by several departments while the outcomes of previous recruitment processes remain unresolved. This discrepancy raises concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the administrative machinery. Even departments with relatively modest budgets, such as the Directorate of Information and Public Relations under State Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, have faltered in releasing results for recruitment exercises dating back to 2021.
The promise of job creation has become a recurring theme in the political discourse, with both the BJP and Congress vying for public support on this front. However, citizens must scrutinize the timing and sincerity behind these pledges. It is imperative to question why recruitment notifications surge close to elections, prompting suspicions of political expediency rather than genuine commitment to addressing unemployment.
During a Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rally in Banswara, Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi articulated a vision of filling the staggering 30 lakh government vacancies, emphasizing the inclusion of marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward castes, and minorities. This assertion underscores the pressing need for equitable employment opportunities that reflect the diversity of the nation’s populace.
In Manipur, the Congress party has underscored the failure of the incumbent BJP government to tackle unemployment effectively. The portrayal of roadside tea selling as a form of self-employment has been criticized, highlighting the need for substantive policies that genuinely uplift and empower citizens.
The concerning trend unfolding in Manipur demands urgent attention and collective action from its citizens. With the government flooding the job market with daily advertisements, unemployed youths find themselves compelled to part with substantial sums, often exceeding 2000 rupees per application, just to vie for employment opportunities. This exploitation occurs against a backdrop of delayed or deliberately withheld recruitment results, leaving aspirants in limbo.
Recent protests by candidates awaiting outcomes in the power department serve as a poignant reminder of the frustration and disillusionment pervading the state. Even departments operating on modest budgets, such as the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, have failed to deliver on their recruitment promises from as far back as 2021. This systemic failure underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability within the government’s hiring practices.
Adding insult to injury, the looming specter of middlemen masquerading as influential figures within the government exacerbates the plight of job seekers. These opportunistic individuals prey on the vulnerability of the unemployed, soliciting bribes with the promise of securing coveted positions. Such nefarious activities not only perpetuate corruption but also undermine the principles of fairness and meritocracy.
It is imperative for the public, especially the youth, to resist the temptation to engage in these illicit transactions. Surrendering to bribery only perpetuates a cycle of corruption and erodes the fabric of society. True progress and prosperity can only be achieved through integrity, transparency, and adherence to ethical principles.
The youth of Manipur must recognize their collective power and refuse to be complicit in the corrupt practices of politicians and their associates. By rejecting bribery and demanding accountability, they can assert their rights as citizens and effect positive change within their communities. It is only through concerted efforts and unwavering resolve that Manipur can emerge as a beacon of integrity and progress.
As the Lok Sabha elections approach, let us remember that the true measure of a government’s legitimacy lies in its commitment to serving the interests of the people, not in buying votes with empty promises or illicit transactions. People should discourage the ‘jobs for sale’ methods. Together, let us strive for a future where opportunities are awarded based on merit, not patronage, and where the scourge of corruption is eradicated for the collective benefit of all.
