Job aspirants in Dharwad stage protest; urge government to begin recruitment drive to fill vacant posts

Several job aspirants have staged a protest demanding that the Karnataka government begin a recruitment drive to fill vacant posts across departments. The protest rally was organised by Janasamanyara Vedike and Udyogakankshigala Horata Samiti, even though the police had denied permission. The police have also detained several students protesting for the reforms in government job recruitment.

The aspirants have called on the government to use the upcoming winter session of the state legislature to lay out a clear policy for filling all vacant positions across various government departments. They have also urged the government to introduce student-friendly measures as soon as possible.

Students from different parts of the city assembled in the Srinagar area and raised anti-government slogans. The students had planned to march from Srinagar circle to the District Commissioner’s office, but the police intervened and detained students who were part of the demonstration.

According to several media reports, the competitive exam aspirants were sitting in peaceful protest demanding timely recruitment. The crisis stems entirely from the government's failures of delayed notifications, withheld exams, and unresolved internal reservation issues that have stalled every process, according to students.

"The Government of Karnataka must act immediately, or it will soon face students taking to the streets in larger numbers, with this movement only growing stronger," the AKSSA state president posted on the official X account.

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Police detain protestors in Dharward

Earlier, the police had denied permission for the protest, citing traffic congestion and law and order. The group, however, still went ahead with the demonstration as planned.

The state president of the All Karnataka State Students' Association (AKSSA) Kanthakumar R posted on X account and also said: "No case should be filed against the students who are now in police custody for any reason. If an FIR is filed, our AKSSA organisation will have to wage an indefinite struggle in Dharwad. We are warning the government on behalf of the AKSSA organisation."

"Massive! After Dharwad, Belagavi this time Vijayapura erupts! Govt job aspirants under AKSSA hit the streets demanding New Job Notification & age relaxation. Rahul Gandhi are you listening to Karnataka’s Gen Z voices?" a user posted on X.

Political leader and member of Legislative Assembly VijayapurI, Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) expressed disappointment regarding the arrests of protesting students. He posted on his X account and said: "I strongly condemn the illegal detention of students/examinees who were protesting against the state government's procrastination to fill up various vacancies, corruption in KPSC, age bar relaxation, and various other legitimate demands in Dharwad."