‘One government job in every family, service reduced to 15 years’, Kumaraswamy told his complete plan

Bengaluru: Amidst the increasing unemployment in the country, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has given a new suggestion regarding government jobs. He said that consideration can be given to reducing the tenure of government employees from the current 35 years to 10, 15 or 20 years. This can provide employment opportunities to more people and can help in achieving the target of providing a government job to at least one person in every family. According to him, the current system is failing to provide adequate opportunities to deserving candidates. He clarified that this is just a suggestion at the moment.

‘Every family should get at least one government job’

Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed this view during an open discussion with the candidates preparing for the examination regarding reforms in Karnataka Public Service Commission i.e. KPSC. He appealed to the youth to move beyond traditional thinking to find a solution to the employment problem. Kumaraswamy said that generally government employees work for about 35 years. If this period is reduced to 10, 15 or 20 years and a target is set to give at least one government job to every family, then more people can get opportunities.

‘If I get a chance, I will explore the possibility of implementing the plan’

Kumaraswamy said that in the proposed model, the provision of giving pension and other benefits related to retirement to the employees who have completed the prescribed service period can also be included in the consideration. However, he reiterated that this is only an idea put forward for discussion. Kumaraswamy said that if he gets an opportunity to work on this scheme in the future, he will explore the possibility of implementing it. He said that he is putting this idea before the public, so that it can be discussed publicly. Expressing concern over the increasing unemployment, the Union Minister said that unemployment is increasing at an alarming level.

Corruption allegations against KPSC, questions raised on recruitment process

Kumaraswamy made a strong attack on the functioning of the Karnataka Public Service Commission. He alleged that the institution which selects eligible candidates in a transparent and fair manner has become a den of corruption. He also alleged that serious allegations of giving jobs by taking money have come to light. He referred to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers, appointments in the Animal Husbandry Department and Karnataka Administrative Service recruitment. In these cases he made allegations of money transactions, favoritism and decisions being taken on the basis of caste.

Candidates expressed their problems and alleged irregularities in OMR sheets.

During the discussion, unemployed candidates raised many problems related to the examination and recruitment process. They complained about mistakes in question papers, alleged tampering with OMR sheets and frequent changes in recruitment schedules. Many candidates said that their future has become uncertain due to these problems. A candidate from North Karnataka said that not enough time is given to prepare for the recruitment notification. He told that after coming to Bengaluru from North Karnataka, one has to study in difficult conditions for several months. It is also difficult to meet the living expenses, but the functioning of KPSC is playing with their future.

‘Don’t know when recruitment notification will come’

Another candidate said that the Commission repeatedly creates confusion regarding eligibility conditions and exam dates. Candidates do not know when the recruitment notification will come. While preparing for the exam, new documents are uploaded on the website and then when the matter reaches the court, their hard work hangs in the balance. Let us tell you that in many states of India, the matter of government jobs often reaches the court due to which the candidates have to face all kinds of problems.

Questions raised on giving responsibility of recruitment to KEA

Candidates questioned what would be the benefit if the responsibility of recruitment is handed over to Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), but the basic problems of the system are not resolved. Some candidates also alleged alleged nexus between commission members, officials and middlemen. A student from Yadgir objected to the alleged statement of then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Assembly. According to the student, the Chief Minister had said that people coming to Bengaluru from North Karnataka settle there. On this the student said that Karnataka is a state and Kannada is their language. There should be no discrimination between North and South Karnataka. Bengaluru is a city of everyone.

Waiting for appointment even after passing the exam

A candidate from Channapatna said that the recruitment notification is just the beginning of the struggle. Even after passing the exam, candidates do not know whether they will get the appointment letter or not. Due to this uncertainty the youth have to wait for a long time. A candidate from Dharwad demanded comprehensive reforms in KPSC. He suggested that the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Commission should be done through a committee of experts whose integrity should not be questioned. He also demanded that those found guilty of irregularities should be immediately removed from their posts.

‘A big campaign has to be started, I will stand with you’

After hearing the complaints of the candidates, Kumaraswamy said that this discussion should be only the beginning to improve the KPSC. He said that there is no need to stop on this issue, rather a big movement will have to be launched in the coming days. He assured the candidates that he will stand with them in this effort. Kumaraswamy told the youth that they need not fear about their future. He appealed to the candidates to give importance to such leaders who respect their problems and dreams.

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