Jairam Thakur Accuses Govt of “Betraying Youth” Over Outsourced ‘Mitra’ Jobs

Shimla, November 16: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur sharply criticised the state government, alleging that the proposed recruitment of Bijli Mitras on an outsourced basis is yet another “betrayal” of Himachal’s youth.

In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said the Congress government had promised 1 lakh government jobs and 5 lakh employment opportunities in its first Cabinet meeting, but instead introduced what he called the “Mitra Yojana”—offering only outsourced, low-paid positions with no job security.

He questioned why the government does not provide the promised “thoonja saal wali pakki naukri” (permanent secure jobs) to youth while “close friends of the Chief Minister enjoy all benefits and privileges.”

Thakur alleged widespread irregularities in the selection of outsourcing agencies, claiming they were handpicked to favour “a powerful lobby close to the CM.” He said a “collection racket” involving certain contractors was earlier exposed, yet the same contractors continue to enjoy protection.

He added that even the High Court has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the functioning and credibility of outsourcing firms, but the government continues to ignore procedural norms—leading to delays, mismanagement and mistrust in outsourced recruitments.

Calling the government “self-serving,” Thakur said the youth were deceived in the name of employment. He urged the Chief Minister to honour the election guarantees and provide real, permanent jobs instead of “hollow Mitra schemes.”