Govt’s austerity steps led to layoffs, delay in wage payment: Ex-CM

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today condemned the state government for its handling of the unemployment issue and recent police action against disabled students.

Thakur, in a press statement issued here, described the current administration as a “government that takes jobs away instead of providing them,” citing the termination of over 80 drivers from the electricity board and the cancellation of 51 engineering positions.

He said that the government’s austerity measures had led to layoffs and delay in the payment of wages to outsourced employees, causing distress to many families.

He criticised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and ministers for their insensitivity. He said, “They are indifferent to the struggles of those who have dedicated their lives to public service.”

Thakur said that the current administration’s narrative of systemic change was misleading, arguing that the reality reflects systemic decline. He expressed concern over the negative investment climate in the state and claimed that the existing industries were leaving due to the government policies.

Thakur condemned the police’s violent treatment of disabled students attempting to meet the Chief Minister in Shimla. He called the actioc of the police “brutal” and indicative of the government’s lack of empathy.

Thakur said that this was not an isolated incident as disabled students had faced a similar treatment earlier also, highlighting a troubling trend of repression against vulnerable groups.