Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Tuesday that over 26,500 youth have secured government jobs in the last four years — more than double the combined appointments under previous state governments since Uttarakhand’s formation.
The statement came during a formal ceremony where Mr. Dhami distributed appointment letters to 1,456 newly selected candidates, which included 109 review officers and assistant review officers, as well as 1,347 assistant teachers (LT cadre). These selections were conducted through transparent recruitment processes aimed at prioritizing merit over influence.
Dhami Slams “Cheating Mafia” of Previous Regimes
Criticising past administrations, Mr. Dhami said that corruption, rigging, and bribery were rampant in earlier recruitment drives, allowing what he termed as the “cheating mafia” to manipulate job selection processes.
“Our government implemented strict anti-cheating laws, and today the results speak for themselves. Transparency and meritocracy are now the norm,” he asserted.
He emphasized that the jobs handed out are “not just statistics but proof of a clean and credible recruitment system” that now allows candidates from modest backgrounds to compete fairly.
Meritocracy Wins, Opposition Criticized
Responding to criticism from the opposition, Mr. Dhami stated that “children of ordinary families are now securing government jobs purely on merit”, which has left certain political groups discontented.
“They have no issues to raise, so they manufacture debates and create confusion among the public,” he added.
Paper Leak Allegations: Government Orders CBI Probe
Addressing recent allegations surrounding a suspected paper leak during the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level examination, the chief minister clarified the incident was misrepresented.
He referred to a specific case in Haridwar, where a candidate allegedly sent 12 questions to his sister during the exam. “This was wrongly framed as a paper leak to mislead our youth,” Mr. Dhami said.
Despite this, he agreed to a CBI probe based on students’ demands, only to face criticism from the same quarters. He reiterated that “no conspiracy will be allowed to succeed” under his administration.
Youth-Centric Governance at the Core of Dhami’s Vision
The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the future of Uttarakhand’s youth, adding that his government will take all necessary steps to ensure recruitment transparency.
He also expressed confidence that the trust shown by the youth in the current system would lead to stronger governance, a fairer economy, and better public service delivery in the state.
