Jobless youths protest on State Foundation Day, seek age relaxation for police recruitment

Sunday, 10 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN

A large number of unemployed youths marched to the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun on State foundation day, demanding an extension of the age limit for the State’s police constable recruitment and additional positions for women candidates. The protesters vowed to intensify their movement until their demands were met and declared a do or die rally. The demonstration was led by the members of Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangh (UBS) who expressed anger over the government’s unfulfilled promise, given during the previous recruitment cycle to relax the age limit in future police constable recruitment. They rallied in large numbers, marching from Gandhi Park to Dilaram Chowk and then toward the chief minister’s residence. However, police had set up barricades on New Cantt Road and stopped the protesters at Hathibadkala. One of the protesters Ram Kandwal stated that they had refrained from protesting till November 8, respecting an earlier assurance from the officiating director general of police Abhinav Kumar. He claimed that the DGP had reportedly met them10 days ago and assured them that the government has been considering age relaxation for police recruitment. However it does not seem like they are actually doing anything, Kandwal said. The UBS chief Bobby Panwar also stated that if their demands remain unmet, they will escalate the protest. He emphasised that this is the first opportunity for police recruitment in the State after eight years. He questioned why those who were unable to apply previously are now being denied the chance due to age restrictions. He said that the union will hold a massive protest if the government fails to consider their demand.