Bhubaneswar: Thousands of police constable aspirants staged a protest here Tuesday, demanding revision of age limits and reservation provisions in the ongoing recruitment process. The protesters gathered outside the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC) office to enquire about representations submitted October 26 before staging a demonstration at Gandhi Marg.
They were seen kneeling on the road and performing sit-ups while holding their ears. The agitation follows the notification for recruitment to 7,268 constable posts. The aspirants alleged that despite a five-year age relaxation for SC, ST, SEBC candidates and women, the absence of vacancies for reserved categories, particularly SEBC candidates, in 23 police districts has deprived many of an opportunity.
They also questioned the disparity between the government’s announced 11.25 per cent SEBC reservation and the two per cent quota provided in the notification. The aspirants raised similar concerns over Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) recruitment, being undertaken after nearly a decade. With the upper age limit fixed at 23 years, they argued that candidates who were below 18 in 2016 have now become ineligible despite years of preparation.
They alleged that discrepancies in recruitment notifications often force aspirants to approach the Orissa High Court, resulting in financial hardship and delays. State Congress Student Wing president Bibhuti Bhushan Mahapatra joined the agitation and extended support. Meanwhile, a six-member delegation met officials at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The government has reportedly sought two days to examine their grievances, the aspirants said.
