More than 1,500 job seekers met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at his residence on Sunday, demanding that the Karnataka Power Transport Corporation Limited recruitment process begin. During his election campaign in the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised unemployment benefits and jobs for tens of thousands of people over the next five years, as well as assurances that 2.5 lakh government vacancies would be filled if his party wins the state's assembly elections in May.
While talking to reporters, Shivakumar said: "We have promised the public that all the vacant posts will be filled, as it is our duty. For those who are eligible, we must see that the employment problem is sorted out, as that is the priority of our govt. We will start working on employment vacancies, I can’t say that this will be done in 1 or 2 days but it will be done," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
READ | K'taka CM Siddaramaiah Likely To Keep Key Ministries, Home May Go To Parmeshwara: 'Draft List'
Taking into account the message from the youth that they are not getting jobs, Congress had decided to provide Rs 3,000 per month as unemployment allowance to every graduate and Rs 1,500 per month to every diploma holder for two years, he said. "We understand your (youth) problem, and the BJP is not giving you jobs," Gandhi stated that the state's Congress government will employ 10 lakh youth in five years and that 2.5 lakh government vacancies will be filled.
Addressing the 'Yuva Kranti Samavesha' youth convention organised by the party's state unit here, he stated, "We will defeat BJP together and make Congress win with a huge majority." His message of unity to party leaders and workers ahead of ticket distribution gains significance amid speculation that discontent within the party may emerge following candidate selection. In addition, top leaders are already competing for the position of Chief Minister in the event that the party gains power, PTI reported.