IRB, OSAP, Fireman, PMT Driver recruitment: No hiring in 10 years, aspirants demand age extension

A large group of job aspirants staged a protest outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly, demanding an extension of the age limit for recruitment in India Reserve Battalion (IRB), Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP), Fireman, and PMT Driver positions.

The protest was led by the Students Against Corruption (SAC) organization, highlighting the injustice faced by thousands of candidates.

Previously, the maximum age limit for these recruitments was set at 23 years. However, over the last 10 years, no new recruitments were conducted for these positions. 

Now, after a 20-year gap, fresh vacancies have been announced, making many aspirants ineligible due to age restrictions.

Also Read: Orissa HC stays IRB constable recruitment in Odisha

What Aspirants Allege? 

“Single bench had allowed us to appear exam and secured good marks. Without allowing us for physicals, counter was filed by Advocate General in Double bench. We want to ask when age relaxation is being given in other states every three to four years due to Covid pandemic. In Odisha, no periodic recruitment drive is being conducted. Only the state government can answer on this,” alleged a protestor.

Another agitator said, “For months together, the aspirants are moving to Courts. Here, no recruitment drive was conducted during Covid period. We have been demanding for extension of age, but our demands have been ignored. IRB recruitment was held for the last time in 2018. Now when the recruitment drive is now being conducted after six years gap, the age of candidate has increased and deprived.”

The protestors argued that delayed recruitment has unfairly impacted thousands of job seekers who had been waiting for these opportunities. They demanded a one-time relaxation in the age limit, allowing those who have crossed the previous upper limit to apply for the positions.

Chanting slogans and holding banners, the demonstrators urged the government to take immediate action to address their concerns. They emphasized that the recruitment delay was not the fault of the aspirants, and they should not be punished for a decision beyond their control.

As the agitation intensified, the protestors vowed to continue their demonstration until the government responds positively to their demands. 

Meanwhile, authorities are yet to issue an official statement on whether the age limit extension will be considered or not.