Opposition all about rate card for jobs, his govt youth's 'safeguard': PM Modi

New Delhi: Hitting out at "dynastic" political parties for promoting "nepotism and corruption" in recruitment for government jobs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused them of robbing youth with their "rate cards" for various posts. Slamming the "dynastic parties" for betraying the youth, the Prime Minister said his government is working to safeguard their bright future.

Addressing a "Rozgar Mela" event, Mr Modi slammed the Opposition parties after virtually distributing about 70,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in various government departments and organisations.

Talking about the ills of dynasty politics and nepotism in the recruitment process, the Prime Minister made a veiled reference to the "cash for jobs scam" in Trinamul Congress-ruled West Bengal. He highlighted the reports about rate cards for different government jobs and warned the youth about such a system.

Mr Modi also talked about the "land for jobs scam", in which the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav is facing a criminal case. He said that the then railway minister of the country had acquired the land in exchange for a job and remarked that the case is being investigated by the CBI and is pending in court.

The Prime Minister warned the youth about political parties that engaged in dynastic politics and looted the youth of the nation in the name of jobs. "On one hand, we have political parties that present a rate card for jobs; on the other hand, it is the present government that is safeguarding the future of the youth. Now the country will decide whether the future of the youth will be governed by the rate card or by the safeguard," Mr Modi said.

The Prime Minister stated that other political parties are trying to divide the people in the name of language, whereas his government is making language a strong medium of employment. He said that the emphasis on recruitment examinations in the mother tongue is benefiting the youth.

The Prime Minister pointed out that, compared to a decade ago, India is a more stable, safe and strong country. He recalled the time when scams and misuse of public funds were the hallmark of governance in earlier times. "Today, India is known for its political stability, which means a lot in today’s world. Today, the government of India is recognised as a decisive government. Today, the government is known for its progressive economic and social decisions," he said, adding that global agencies are acknowledging his government's work in ease of living, infrastructure building and ease of doing business.

The Prime Minister underlined that the government systems and the way government employees work are changing rapidly in today's fast-moving India. He recalled the time when common citizens of the country used to visit government offices, whereas today, the government is reaching the homes of the citizens by taking its services to their doorsteps.

In his address, Mr Modi noted that work is being done to understand the expectations of the public and the needs of the region where government offices and departments are working while being sensitive towards the public. He cited the example of digital services through mobile apps, which have made it easy to avail government facilities and the public grievance system.

The Prime Minister also talked about the emerging opportunities for employment and self-employment in the economy. He mentioned measures like the "Mudra Scheme", "Startup India" and "Stand Up India" that are helping youngsters become job creators.

"The campaign to provide government jobs to the youth is unprecedented. Institutions like SSC, UPSC and RRB are providing more jobs with new systems. These institutions are focusing on making the recruitment process simple, transparent and easy. They have reduced the time for the recruitment process from 1-2 years to a few months," he said.

Highlighting the trust of the world in India and its economy, he said, "The entire world is eager to partner with India in its growth journey today."

The Prime Minister said that India is taking its economy to new heights as he pointed out the challenges of today, including the economic recession, the global pandemic and the disruption in the supply chain due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The Prime Minister stated that the recruits must work with full sensitivity towards the citizens of the country. "You have to take these reforms further. And with all this, you will always maintain your learning instinct," Mr Modi added.