Gujarat : CR Paatil Opposes Govt Job Extensions, Says Youth Lose Opportunities

SURAT :  Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil has criticised the practice of repeated service extensions for government officials, saying it can block opportunities for younger candidates waiting for government jobs.

Addressing a job fair inauguration at the Sarsana Convention Centre in Surat, Paatil said he was strongly opposed to extensions being granted to employees at the end of their careers. His remarks come as the Centre’s 20th Rozgar Mela is scheduled to provide more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth across government organisations.

“If an employee gets an extension, a young person who could have received an appointment letter that day loses an opportunity for a year,” Paatil said.

He said government employees may have decades of experience, but retaining them beyond retirement can affect the younger generation seeking entry into public service.

“A qualified youth can lose the opportunity for a government job if their age exceeds the prescribed limit by even a single day,” Paatil said.

The minister also spoke about delays in government decision-making and their impact on citizens. He said a perception against government officials develops when decisions are repeatedly postponed.

“If a decision has to be taken today, it should be implemented today. Delaying decisions affects not just one person but the future of an entire generation,” he said.

Paatil urged officials to take timely decisions within their responsibilities so that eligible beneficiaries do not remain waiting.

His comments come amid the government’s continuing employment drive. The Prime Minister’s Office said the September 19 Rozgar Mela will take place at 45 locations, with about 12.75 lakh youth set to have received appointment letters through the initiative so far.