AIDYO members at the launch of a signature campaign in Ballari on Thursday to protest against the growing unemployment crisis in the country.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) on Thursday launched a signature campaign in Ballari to protest against the growing unemployment crisis in the country and to urge both the Union and State governments to fill vacant posts and create new job opportunities.
The campaign was inaugurated by R. Somashekhar Gowda, district vice-president of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC)], who signed the first petition. In his inaugural address, he said that unemployment in India had reached alarming proportions. “More than 9.78 lakh posts are vacant across 78 Ministries and departments of the Central government, and a similar situation prevails in most States. Despite assurances made in 2014 to provide two crore jobs every year, corruption, question paper leaks, staff retrenchments, and the privatisation of public departments have worsened the crisis,” he said.
He added that the government had a constitutional responsibility to provide employment suited to every individual’s ability and capacity. “India has enough resources to meet the needs of its people. Yet, rising unemployment and severe economic distress have led to mental depression, family breakdowns, and an increase in drug addiction and criminal tendencies among the youth,” Mr. Gowda observed.
AIDYO district president A. Pampapathi Koluru said that the worsening job crisis was pushing many young people into despair. “Every year, thousands of youths end their lives due to unemployment. In 2023 alone, youth suicides rose to 14,234. This campaign is part of our struggle to protect the younger generation and preserve the country’s social fabric,” he said.
AIDYO district secretary Jagadish Nemakal, members Siddu and Pramod, and several college students participated in the campaign, which drew significant public response.
The organisation submitted a memorandum listing several key demands, including the immediate filling of all vacant government posts, the creation of new employment opportunities, and a five-year age relaxation for all recruitment processes. It also called for transparency in recruitment exams, the implementation of the P.C. Hota Committee recommendations to prevent irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), and the abolition of the contract employment system, urging permanent appointments for all posts.
The AIDYO also demanded that gig workers be recognised as employees entitled to minimum wages and social security, that unemployment allowance be paid until suitable jobs are found, that the privatisation of government institutions be rolled back, and that exam fees be reduced or waived. The organisation also sought free transport facilities for candidates appearing for competitive examinations.
Published – November 06, 2025 06:27 pm IST
