Uttar Pradesh tightens job eligibility rules

The Yogi Adityanath-led government has barred those protesting for a change in the established system from getting state government jobs, significantly broadening its character verification parameters.

New guidelines target violent activism

Guidelines issued by Principal Secretary M Devaraj on October twenty-eighth, twenty twenty-six, say candidates associated with organisations seeking to change the existing political system through violent means are ineligible for state employment.

Three-year lookback period applies

If a candidate was involved in violent activities or activities aimed at changing the existing system within three years before verification, after turning twenty-one, it may be presumed they continue to be actively involved.

Political ideology alone insufficient

The government clarified that political ideology alone cannot be grounds for disqualification. The rules apply to character verification in government departments, public sector corporations, boards and urban and rural local bodies.

FIR or investigation alone won't disqualify

The Yogi Adityanath-led government clarified that the mere lodging of a FIR or an ongoing police investigation will not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Samajwadi Party calls rules cowardly

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said these are the rules of a cowardly government. He said the SP supports a change of government only through democratic means, particularly elections.

“These are the rules of a cowardly government.”

Congress warns against targeting youth

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajpoot criticised the BJP, saying peaceful protests and sit-ins by young people should not be treated as acts of violence. He warned the BJP was driving another nail into its own coffin.

“If young people protest, it is not violence.”

BJP MP backs the new rules

BJP MP Ram Pratap Singh said people spreading anarchy should be treated like this, endorsing the government's decision to bar protest activists from state employment.