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Age relaxation won’t serve purpose in the absence of fresh jobs: Oppn leaders, experts
Chief minister Vasundhara Raje’s decision on increasing the upper age limit for government jobs to 40 years instead of 35 will backfire in view of lack of employment opportunities, opposition leaders and economists said
Chief minister Vasundhara Raje’s decision on increasing the upper age limit for government jobs to 40 years instead of 35 will backfire in view of lack of employment opportunities, opposition leaders and economists said.
As Rajasthan enters the poll year, Raje announced on Wednesday an array of schemes, including relaxation in upper age limit for government jobs. Celebrating the fourth anniversary of her government, she also said 1.40 lakh more government jobs will be up for grabs soon.
“It is another poll sop. Where are the new jobs? Tinkering with the age data will not provide job opportunities,” state Congress president Sachin Pilot said.
State BJP president Ashok Paranami, however, said, “Our government is a well wisher of youths, and the decision is taken to promote them by providing more opportunities.”
Economist VS Vyas said, “The government’s decision will be ineffective as people will not wait till they are 40; rather it will benefit only those who are already employed, especially in the private sector. If the government’s objective is to solve the unemployment problem, then it will not serve the purpose.”
Budget Analysis Rajasthan Centre coordinator Nissar Ahmed said, “How does it hold any importance in creating jobs? Increasing the age will make more people eligible for government jobs. Without increasing opportunities, we are increasing applicants.”
CPI (M) leader Amra Ram said, “The government is not providing new jobs, rather taking away many, such as Vidhyarthi Mitr (teachers). Schools and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation motels are being privatised. Over 20,000 schools are closed.”
Hitting out at “privatisation business,” Ram said, “Thousands of applicants line up for the jobs advertised by the government. People who did not get through (for jobs) till 35 years, how could they do it at the age of 40? They (government) will just loot through forms and examinations fees.”
State BSP president Sita Ram said, “The government is not advertising jobs. Why this drama? BJP promised 15 lakh jobs in last elections. If they could have worked in a systematic way, any change in age limit would not have been needed.”
BOX: Socio Economic Caste Census 2011
Employment and income characteristics (rural) in Rajasthan:
Total households – 1,02,23,073
Number of households with salaried jobs– 925475
Percentage of households with salaried jobs – 9.05%
Number of households with salaried jobs:
Government sector – 570156 (5.58%)
Public sector – 62625 (0.61%)
Private sector – 292750 (2.86%)
