Shrey Awasthi
When a government runs out of ideas, it falls back on the familiar. Today, both the Centre and states are guilty of toeing the dangerous trend of job extensions and reappointments.
From Himachal Pradesh to New Delhi, the same retired officials are recycled into new posts, while lakhs of educated, unemployed youth remain stranded in coaching centres, hostels and exam halls.
This isn’t just administrative convenience, but betrayal with the youth.
Himachal gives 3-year job to retired Chief Secy
Himachal has earned an unenviable title of “Extension Sarkar” among the unemployed youth.
On September 30, 2025, retired Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena was appointed as Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board for three years — even though he had already enjoyed a six-month extension after retiring in March. The post was also elevated to Chief Secretary rank.
RD Dhiman, another retired IAS officer, had earlier been reappointed as Chief Secretary.
Board chairpersons, corporation heads and even advisers to the Chief Minister are drawn from a pool of retirees who already enjoy high pensions and perks.
This cycle blocks fresh recruitment, leaves youth waiting and sends a chilling message: jobs belong to the old, not the young.
No different Story at the Centre
If Himachal is guilty, the Union Government is no saint either.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, India’s top law officer, continues through extensions. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, also serves on an extended tenure while others in line wait.
Enforcement Directorate and CBI chiefs in recent years were granted tenure extensions through ordinances.
At every level, the principle is the same: don’t trust the new, recycle the old.
Frustration growing among unemployed youth
The impact is real, the frustration raw. “I have spent four years preparing for HPPSC exams. Every extension feels like a closed door,” says Ritika Sharma, 26, from Kangra.
“Rozgar was the promise. But what we see is extension raj,” laments Vikram Thakur, a postgraduate from Mandi.
“Even at the Centre, the tenures of the CDS and the Attorney General have been extended. If they don’t trust new officers, why should we keep preparing?” asks Rohan Mehta, a UPSC aspirant in Delhi.
Behind these words lies a silent crisis — depression, migration and disillusionment.
Every extension delays opportunity. Every reappointment blocks a chance for a young aspirant.
Fresh recruitment means new skills and digital energy in governance; relief for families burdened by unemployment and long-term institutional strength, not stopgap arrangements.
Extensions, in contrast, create stagnation, favouritism and alienation.
India today is at a crossroads. One path leads to short-term convenience — clinging to retirees, pleasing a trusted circle, avoiding the effort of recruitment. The other leads to long-term strength — harnessing the untapped potential of millions of young Indians who are ready to serve. History will not remember how many extensions were granted, but how many doors were opened for the next generation.
It is time for both the Centre and states to choose wisely. Because a government that sidelines its youth in favour of retirees is not just delaying progress but writing its own obituary.
(The writer in state coordinator of HP Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)
