Unemployed Youth Outraged Over Job Trainee Scheme, Warn of Statewide Protests if Not Withdrawn Within Seven Days

Shimla, July 23:
Himachal Pradesh’s newly announced “Job Trainee Scheme” has sparked intense anger among educated unemployed youth across the state. The government recently issued a notification ending contractual appointments and introducing trainee-based hiring instead. Job seekers have condemned the move, calling it a betrayal of their future and an attempt to exploit rather than employ.

At the State Library in Shimla, candidates preparing for competitive exams voiced strong opposition, warning the government of a major agitation if the scheme is not withdrawn within seven days. They accused the administration of misleading the youth and wasting their time in the name of employment.

According to the protesting youth, the current Congress government has made only token recruitments in its two-and-a-half-year tenure. Now, under this trainee policy, it plans to employ candidates at low wages for two years, after which they must reappear for an exam to secure permanent roles. “What happens if someone fails the exam after two years of service?” they questioned, pointing out that the government notification offers no clarity on such a scenario.

They also alleged that the policy is a ploy to exploit young people as cheap labor. “The government’s intent is unclear,” said one protester. “This scheme not only plays with the future of youth but is also a cynical move to use them as temporary workforce under the guise of training.” They added that with limited government jobs already pushing thousands into mental distress, this decision is both insensitive and anti-people.

The protesting youth have demanded that the traditional contractual recruitment system be reinstated and that the temporary trainee framework be scrapped. They have issued a final warning: if the government does not revoke the policy within a week, a massive protest will be held in the state capital, Shimla.