Shimla: In a major relief to unemployed youth, the Himachal Pradesh government has moved to relax the maximum job application age by two years. The decision aims to compensate for delays caused by the paper leak controversies during the previous BJP regime that stalled recruitment for two years.
The now-dissolved Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission (HPSSC) faced a massive scandal in December 2022 due to widespread paper leaks. As investigations progressed, 80 recruitment processes involving 1,423 posts were suspended, leaving candidates in limbo.
Relief for JBT, JOA candidates
Among the 1,423 vacancies, 400 posts of Junior Basic Teachers (JBT) will be filled, providing relief to eligible candidates. Additionally, vacancies for Junior Office Assistants (IT) and other posts are included in the backlog.
To address the issue, the State Selection Commission has forwarded a proposal to the government. It has suggested raising the maximum age limit by two years, ensuring that candidates remain eligible despite recruitment delays.
Sukhu cabinet to take final call
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed officials to expedite the process. The cabinet will soon decide whether to resume stalled recruitments or re-advertise the posts altogether.
With over 8 lakh unemployed candidates in Himachal Pradesh, the delay in recruitments has worsened the job crisis. The youth have been demanding urgent solutions to revive their career prospects. The proposal to relax age limits comes as part of a broader government effort to address grievances. This step follows increasing pressure from youth organisations and affected candidates across the state.
