In an unusual turn of events, highly educated job seekers in Odisha’s Rourkela are applying for Home Guard positions—despite the fact that the job only requires a minimum qualification of Class 5. This trend highlights the growing problem of unemployment, where even graduates and diploma holders are competing for contractual positions with modest salaries.
Massive Response for Limited Vacancies
The Rourkela Police District is currently recruiting for 107 Home Guard positions, but the response has been overwhelming. By Tuesday, nearly 6,500 applications had already been submitted, and by the final application day (Wednesday), officials expected the number to reach 7,000. Among these applicants, nearly 50% are highly qualified, including candidates with degrees like B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) and MCA (Master of Computer Applications).
Why Are Educated Youth Interested in Home Guard Jobs?
- Lack of Employment Opportunities: The rising unemployment rate is forcing even well-qualified individuals to settle for low-paying jobs.
- Stable Income, Even If Low: Despite its limited pay, the Home Guard job provides some level of financial security, which many educated youths are struggling to find in the private sector.
- No Other Options: With fewer job openings in their respective fields, many graduates are opting for any available government-related employment.
Long Queues of Aspirants from Various Regions
Since the recruitment process started, long queues of candidates have been seen daily at the Rourkela Reserve Police Office. Young men and women from different blocks, including Kuarmunda, Nuagaon, Lathikata, Bonai, Koida, Gurundia, and Bisra, arrived early in the morning to submit their applications. The sheer volume of applicants underscores how desperate people are for work—even if it means taking jobs far below their educational qualifications.
The Same Situation in the Sundargarh Police District
This phenomenon is not limited to Rourkela alone. In the Sundargarh Police District, a similar situation is unfolding. Over 3,000 applicants have already applied for just 92 Home Guard vacancies.
Shortage of Home Guards in Odisha
The recruitment drive is necessary because the current number of Home Guards is below the requirement:
- Rourkela Police District needs 949 Home Guards but currently has only 844.
- Sundargarh Police District requires 397 Home Guards but has just 263 on duty.
Concerns Raised by Existing Home Guards
The recruitment of overqualified candidates for a role meant for less-educated individuals has sparked concerns among current Home Guards. The Home Guard Association has questioned whether highly educated recruits—many of whom come from engineering and IT backgrounds—would be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which include:
- Night patrolling
- Driving police vehicles
- Responding to emergencies
Moreover, the association pointed out that many existing Home Guards have died or been dismissed over time, and their families should be given priority in recruitment.
All Eyes on the Final Selection
With thousands of applicants, both highly educated and less educated, competing for the same limited vacancies, the final selection process will be closely watched. This unusual situation reflects the deepening employment crisis in Odisha, where even well-qualified individuals are left with no choice but to apply for low-paying, contractual jobs meant for those with minimal education.
