HC orders state to ensure jobless youth get allowance

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, December 10

Expressing concern over the issue of exploitation of unemployed youth in the state by various skill development institutions on the pretext of advancement of training to such youth, the High Court today directed the state government to ensure that the unemployment allowance was provided to the actual and deserving youth.

The court further directed the state authorities to file status report along with details of all institutions through whom the payments (allowances) are being made.

The court passed this order on a petition highlighting the issue of irregularities in granting skill development allowance to the unemployed youth. It was further averred in the petition that the state government has introduced a scheme for imparting training to the unemployed youth as well as to provide skill development allowance to them.

It further averred that the skill development allowance of Rs, 1,000 per month was being provided to the unemployed youth who undertake skill training for the purpose of employment.

While extending the scope of this petition, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel further observed, “We are, therefore, inclined to extend the scope of these proceedings in public interest to find out as to whether credential of each such institution has been verified and what is the mechanism evolved by the state to ensure that the unemployment allowances actually provided to the deserving youth.”

It further clarified in its order that “the pendency of these proceedings will not be an impediment in the ongoing investigation or inquiry by the authorities.”

The court further directed the authorities to continue with these investigations and submit their status reports and listed the matter for further hearing on January 8.