Odisha’s Sambalpur witnessed a chaotic scene on Wednesday morning as 8,000 candidates appeared for just 187 Home Guard posts at the Jamadarpali Airstrip. 

The recruitment, which is reportedly conducted on a contractual or requirement-based model, exposed the stark gap between the number of aspirants and the limited employment opportunities available.

While the minimum educational qualification for the Home Guard position is fifth grade, many highly educated candidates, including graduates and postgraduates, appeared for the exam. 

A similar scenario was observed recently in Rourkela, where candidates with B.Tech degrees and double M.A. qualifications had also applied for Home Guard positions, reflecting widespread competition for even low-tier posts.

Exam Conducted at Airstrip for Smooth Management 

Given the overwhelming number of candidates, conducting the exam at a conventional examination centre would have been a logistical challenge. 

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Authorities, therefore, chose the expansive Jamadarpali Airstrip to manage the process efficiently. Aspirants were seated on the runway under the open sky, writing the exam in a systematic manner despite the unconventional setup.

The massive response underscores the prevailing unemployment situation in the region, with many individuals preferring even contractual positions like Home Guard over remaining idle. 

The scene highlights both the high aspirations of job seekers and the intensity of competition for limited government employment opportunities, shedding light on the broader employment crisis in the area.