Violent Protesters May Be Denied Government Jobs Under New Yogi Government Directive
Uttar Pradesh government issues guidelines on recruitment eligibility for individuals involved in violent activities; Samajwadi Party and Congress criticise the move.
The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has issued a new directive tightening the eligibility criteria for government jobs for individuals allegedly involved in violent activities aimed at changing the existing system of governance. The move has drawn criticism from the Samajwadi Party and the Congress.
The guidelines were issued by M. Devraj, Principal Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Appointment and Personnel Department, reportedly in reference to a recent direction from the Allahabad High Court. The directive states that individuals involved in violent activities intended to bring about a change in the system of governance will not be considered for government employment.
However, the government has clarified that candidates cannot be disqualified solely on the basis of their political ideology. Similarly, the mere registration of a First Information Report (FIR) or the pendency of an investigation will not automatically render an applicant ineligible for a government job. The guidelines also provide for an assessment of candidates’ conduct and past activities.
According to the directive, during background verification, if it is found that a person above the age of 21 was involved in any controversial or violent activity within the preceding three years, it may be presumed that the individual remains actively associated with such activities. However, the authorities may reconsider their decision if there is evidence of a positive change in the person’s conduct during the intervening period.
The Samajwadi Party has strongly criticised the Yogi government’s move. Party spokesperson Udayveer said that similar orders were issued during British rule. Emphasising that peaceful protest is a constitutional right in independent India, he argued that changes in the system of governance should take place through lawful and established democratic processes.
Udayveer maintained that citizens have the right to participate in elections and seek change through democratic means. He alleged that the present government was attempting to create an atmosphere of fear through such directives.
The Congress has also criticised the decision. The directive has triggered a political debate over its potential implications for the right to protest and the eligibility of candidates seeking government employment in Uttar Pradesh.
