102 Posts, 4,000 Applicants! Long Queues for Home Guard Recruitment in Odisha

Odisha Job Crisis: 4,000 Candidates Compete for Just 102 Home Guard Posts in Jharsuguda

A stark reflection of Odisha’s deepening unemployment problem emerged on Sunday when more than 4,000 job seekers appeared for an exam to secure just 102 Home Guard vacancies in Jharsuguda district. The massive turnout highlighted the growing desperation among the state’s youth as they continue to struggle for stable employment opportunities.

The written examination was conducted at the Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP) Battalion Ground, where a total of 4,040 candidates attempted the test, according to official sources. This means nearly 40 applicants were competing for each available post — despite the fact that these jobs are temporary in nature and offer modest salaries.

Highly Educated Youth Among Applicants

What stood out the most was the profile of the candidates. Although the minimum educational qualification required for the Home Guard role was Class 5, the queues were filled with:

• Graduates

• Postgraduates

• Engineering degree holders

• Technically skilled professionals

Many aspirants admitted they were forced to compromise due to limited job options. Delays in government recruitment drives and shrinking opportunities in the private sector have compelled highly qualified individuals to apply for low-paying, entry-level employment. Several candidates expressed that this was not their career choice but purely a survival decision.

“Not a Choice, But Compulsion,” Say Applicants

Conversations with job seekers revealed a collective sense of urgency and frustration. They pointed out that the rising cost of living and lack of steady income has pushed them to accept whatever job they can secure — even roles far below their skill level.

One candidate shared that despite having a technical qualification, he had been unemployed for months. “We are not here because we want to be,” he said. “We are here because we must earn something to support our families.”

Similar Situation Across Odisha

Jharsuguda is not an isolated example. Multiple districts in Odisha are facing a similar employment imbalance:

• In Sambalpur, nearly 8,000 candidates applied for 187 Home Guard posts

• In Rourkela, aspirants included B.Tech graduates and youth holding multiple master’s degrees

Such statistics reveal a worrying statewide trend — even well-educated individuals are being compelled to chase low-grade jobs due to the absence of better opportunities.

Experts Call for Immediate Action

Economists and labor experts warn that the current trajectory could worsen if urgent measures are not taken. They recommend:

✔ Faster government hiring processes
✔ Expansion of job opportunities in both public and private sectors
✔ Skill-based employment programs aligned with industry demand
✔ Investment in industries that can absorb young talent at scale

Job seekers too believe that policymakers must focus on practical solutions that can provide long-term employment stability instead of short-term relief measures.

A Visible Indicator of the Employment Crisis

The long lines outside examination centers serve as a symbolic reminder of the unemployment burden carried by thousands of households in Odisha. With youth forming a large part of the state’s population, the demand for jobs continues to outpace the supply dramatically.

Unless major initiatives are introduced to address the employment gap, such scenes — where educated candidates compete for posts meant for minimally qualified workers — will likely become even more common.