Youth stage protest in Mandi over ‘exploitative’ job trainee policy

Several young citizens staged a protest march in Mandi today under the banner of the Himachal Berozgar Yuva Mahasangh against the state government’s job trainee policy. The protest was led by district convenor Vishal Mandotra, who condemned the policy as a betrayal of the aspirations of educated youth.

Addressing the protesters, Mandotra said, “Forcing selected candidates into two years of temporary training and subjecting them to another examination is nothing short of mental harassment. This policy does not empower youth — it destabilises their future.”

Mandotra demanded an immediate rollback of the policy and the commencement of regular recruitment for thousands of long-vacant government posts. He criticised the policy for pushing young people into a contractor-style employment system that offers neither job stability nor the benefits provided under state government service rules.

Highlighting the injustice, he questioned, “How many times must a student prove their merit? After clearing the selection process, demanding another two years of uncertainty and exams is plain exploitation.”

The protesters, waving placards and chanting slogans, issued a stern warning to the government: repeal the policy or face intensified state-wide agitation in the coming days.

Prominent supporters present included Yograj, Ajay, Pawan, Manish, Rahul, Bhupender, Bharti Thakur, Muskan and others.