In a major turn of events, the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government has cancelled the appointments to 7,738 clerical posts that were initiated during the Gehlot regime.
The appointments to 270 posts in the state secretariat service and the state Assembly have also been shelved.

The examination for the 7,738 posts was conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) and over seven lakh candidates in the state were waiting for the final results.

At a time when the BJP in its elections manifesto promised to create 15 lakh jobs in Rajasthan, the step taken by the state government has become a big political issue with  Congress’ frontline organisations and student outfits hitting the streets.

State government associations and regional units have also condemned the decision.
The candidates are now preparing to challenge the government’s decision in the Rajasthan High Court.

“The BJP government has betrayed the youth of the state. They played an important role in bringing the party back to power. The BJP had announced 15 lakh jobs in the state, which they cannot fulfill. They are instead playing politics of revenge by cancelling appointments initiated by the Gehlot government,” Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma said.

The notification for the clerical exams was released by the Congress government in 2013 and examinations were conducted by the RPSC in January 2014.

While the aspirants were waiting for the results, the new government raised objections and cancelled the process.

The move has come as a big blow for several candidates, who will not be eligible to appear again due to the age limit criterion.

According to government sources, the Chief Secretary had submitted a report to the government that said that many clerks were not needed in government offices in the era of computers.

The Chief Secretary also recommended to conduct the examination through the Staff Selection Board.

No BJP leader was ready to comment on the issue, saying the matter does not come under their jurisdiction.

However, they said no injustice will be done to youths under the BJP government.