Congress’ district reorganisation plan triggers zonal, job concerns

Congress government’s proposal to reorganise districts has sparked fears among unemployed youth, who suspect it is a diversionary move to delay job notifications. Concerns have also been raised over the impact on the zonal system and employment prospects

Hyderabad: By raking up district reorganisation plans, the Congress government has triggered what many see as yet another diversionary tactic to cover up its failure to rein in intensifying internal squabbling and the rising anger among unemployed youth.

Beyond geographical changes, concerns are being expressed by different sections over the possible impact on the zonal system and employment prospects. Some have even raised apprehensions that a conspiracy is being hatched to make Hyderabad a free zone again, allowing anyone to compete for government jobs in the zone.

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Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday announced that a commission, headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge, would be constituted to take up the exercise. A few officers from Revenue and other departments would be part of the commission, which would seek opinions from all sections, he said, claiming that “If we take political decisions, justice cannot be delivered.”

After meeting people in all areas and recording their demands for about six months, the commission would submit its report. Initially, mandals would be rationalised, he said.

“I will not call it reduction or increase of districts. It is about rationalising the districts and mandals with equitable population. During the budget sessions, discussions will be held on the issue,” Revanth Reddy said.

However, many, particularly unemployed youth, suspect the real motive of the Congress government behind the district reorganisation. They see it as another ploy to delay job notifications and mislead them.

The unemployed youth also argue that if districts are reorganised, zones would also have to be reworked accordingly, which would inevitably delay the recruitment process.

The Congress government, they recall, has already failed to fulfil its promise of providing two lakh jobs within one year. Adding fuel to the fire, Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu’s comments in the Legislative Council recently triggered widespread protests by youth for three days.

Echoing similar views, the Chief Minister has also stressed that unemployed youth should seek opportunities in the private sector as well, besides focusing on public sector jobs.

Speculation about increasing the retirement age to 64 and cutting expenditure is also part of this broader game plan. Apart from reducing government employee strength, the move could create new challenges in accommodating existing staff as well, they said.