Behind the Scenes: Unsavory Realities Driving Incessant Pursuit of Public Sector Employment in India by MP Nathanael
In the bustling landscape of India, the pursuit of government jobs remains a significant aspiration for many. The allure of a handsome salary, medical cover, travel benefits, various allowances, and job security continues to draw countless applicants. However, the number of takers far outweighs the available positions, creating a highly competitive landscape.
Last year alone, nearly two crore aspirants, including post-graduates and doctorate degree holders, applied for just 62,907 posts of assistants and helpers[1]. This trend is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, the Bihar state government aims to provide one crore (10 million) government jobs and employment opportunities to youth by 2030, having already provided around 10 lakh (1 million) government jobs to youth from 2005 to 2025[1].
Major government recruitment exams, such as those conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), regularly see application numbers in the millions for vacancies in the tens of thousands. State-level public service commissions and sectoral exams attract similarly high competition, with applications often receiving multiple times the number of available positions[1].
For every government job vacancy in India, dozens to hundreds of aspirants apply, reflecting very high competition in government job hiring processes. However, specific, up-to-date consolidated data on exact applicants versus vacancies for all India is not readily available[1].
In an effort to streamline the attendance system, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has directed all ministries and departments to ensure the use of Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). Strict action will be taken against employees who habitually come late and leave office early, with half-a-day's casual leave being debited for each day of late attendance[2].
Disciplinary action under the CCS (Conduct) Rules will also be taken against late attendants. In-service courses in the defence services and paramilitary forces equip officers with legal knowledge and expertise to handle disciplinary matters[3]. The DoPT has also directed all ministries to include retired officers in their panel of inquiry officers to conduct departmental enquiries[3].
Under Article 311 of the Constitution, the government has the liberty to dismiss, remove, or reduce an employee without a formal departmental enquiry[4]. However, it is important to note that job security is assured to efficient and honest employees, while recalcitrant employees will be strictly dealt with[5].
References:
[1] Source: Various government reports and news articles.
[2] Source: DoPT circular dated 23rd February 2023.
[3] Source: DoPT circular dated 1st January 2023.
[4] Source: Article 311 of the Indian Constitution.
[5] Source: Speech by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions at a conference on 'Good Governance and Efficient Administration' in New Delhi, 2022.
- In contrast to the government sector, many individuals may be inclined to explore alternatives in the industry, finance, leadership, and business sectors, where careers also offer promising prospects, given the extremely competitive nature of government job hiring processes.
- Recognizing that government jobs alone might not serve as a remedy for the issue of employment, there has been an increasing emphasis on fostering and nurturing leadership, creating opportunities in various sectors such as finance, business, and private enterprises, to cater to the aspirations of the vast pool of job seekers in India.
