BJP stages protest over ‘anti-youth’ trainee policy

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with members of the BJP Legislative Party, staged a protest on the Vidhan Sabha premises on Tuesday morning, accusing the state government of betraying its promises to young people. The BJP MLAs raised slogans such as “Sukhu ji tum ek kaam karo, kursi chhodo araam karo” and “yuva virodhi sarkaar murdabad”, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the government’s new job trainee policy.

The Opposition labelled the policy “anti-youth”, arguing that it replaces genuine employment opportunities with a system that, in their view, undermines the aspirations of job seekers. The new framework substitutes contract appointments with a two-year trainee system for Group A, B and C posts. Under this arrangement, trainees receive fixed pay, gain practical work experience and must clear a departmental examination at the end of the period to be considered for permanent roles.

BJP legislators contended that this model contradicts the ruling party’s election promise of providing five lakh jobs. They also criticised the discontinuation of the Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana, claiming the scheme had been instrumental in supporting self-employment among youth.