Indian Railways is not only the largest public sector undertaking but also the largest employer in the organized sector. It is a matter of pride that about 15 lakh people are employed there. Recruitment process in the railways has been slow for a few years. The policy is to move forward somehow with the current employees instead of filling the vacancies. In the last few days, outrage among the youth is evident as job protests and riots against railways in Bihar and UP amid the recruitment process for 35,000 vacancies in non-technical departments. In addition to delays in recruitment, unannounced changes in procedures prompted job seekers to turn to riots. In Bihar, they became increasingly violent. They set train on fire and attacked railway establishments. Authorities were forced to suspend the recruitment process when the situation reached a tipping point. A five-member committee was also appointed to study the subject. Even after that, the protest did not subside. Strikes, including a bandh, are continuing.

When applications were invited for 35,000 vacancies in the lower sections of the railways, more than one and a half crore candidates came forward to appear for the examination. This is a small percentage of the unemployed in the country. Things took a turn when the next phase of the exam was shortlisted to the tune of seven lakh out of about one crore candidates. Candidates were not informed about the second phase examination earlier. It was this structural change that led to protests and riots. Complaints that they are reluctant to engage in public recruitment are stronger in Bihar and UP than in other states. The action of the Railways seems to have ignited that sentiment. In any case, let's hope that the candidates will get justice by freezing the examination and appointing a committee to study the subject.

The biggest challenge for the unemployed is that new jobs are not increasing significantly. Current employment possibilities are also likely to decline significantly. The pandemic, which has been raging for two years, has left hundreds of thousands unemployed. The situation is further complicated by the fact that organized sectors such as railways, banks, insurance companies and government departments have cut down on recruitment. Despite the two lakh vacancies in the railways, recruitment is not taking place. Large companies such as BSNL, which relied on tens of thousands of educated people, have also stopped recruiting for some time. Unemployment can be alleviated to some extent only if the industrial sector grows and develops. The reality is that the current situation does not help it much. Governments and institutions need to be prepared to fill vacancies on time. If the unemployment rate among the youth remains at this level, it will invite many problems. When frustration grows, young people often choose the wrong path. Never allow a return to the old ways of riots. It is up to the government to correct the bureaucrats who treat the candidates like pests. Do not allow riots that erupted against railways in Bihar and UP to spread like wildfire.