Following the student strikes led by RAS aspirants, a new wave of protests has emerged, with Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras at the forefront. The state witnessed employment for 5,000 Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras during the previous Congress government. However, post-election victory, the BJP government terminated their jobs, sparking widespread protests by the affected youth.
On Friday, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot joined the protesting youth at the Martyr Memorial in Jaipur. Pilot engaged with the demonstrators and assured them that their grievances would not be overlooked.
During the interaction, Sachin Pilot criticized the BJP government, stating, “If you have an issue with the name of Rajiv Gandhi, feel free to change the scheme’s name, but do not jeopardize the future of the youth.”
He accused the BJP government of reneging on promises made during its election campaign, specifically highlighting the abrupt elimination of youth employment just before the first cabinet meeting.
The termination of jobs has left approximately 5,000 Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras from across the state unemployed, prompting them to stage protests at the Martyr Memorial in Jaipur. Despite the cold weather, the protesters, including some half-naked, passionately voiced their demands through slogans.
The primary demand is the withdrawal of the government’s order and the reinstatement of their jobs. If these demands are not met, the protesters have warned of escalating their agitation in the days to come.
Former Chief Minister Sachin Pilot affirmed his commitment to addressing the issue in the Assembly. He pledged to raise the matter against the BJP government, emphasizing that injustices against unemployed youth would not be tolerated.
Pilot underscored the contrasting approaches of the Congress and BJP governments towards youth employment, accusing the latter of attempting to deprive the youth of job opportunities.
Pilot also expressed concern over the suppression of legitimate protests, stating that the current situation restricts the youth from peacefully expressing their demands. He drew attention to the ongoing protests by RAS candidates and athletes, asserting that their grievances remain unaddressed.
The protesting Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitras explained that they were initially employed by the previous Congress government at a monthly salary of Rs 17,500. Their role involved disseminating information about government schemes to the public, ensuring wider awareness and utilization of these initiatives. As the protests escalate, the fate of Rajiv Gandhi’s youth friends now hinges on whether justice will be served or not.
