Over 8,000 aspirants vie for 187 home guard posts in Sambalpur

It was not just the numbers that raised eyebrows, but also the qualification of aspirants in the queue. Sources said the candidates included graduates, engineers, MBA, MCA, diploma and ITI holders, painting a sobering picture of how even well-qualified youths are struggling to find stable employment.

Candidates were asked to report as early as 6 am with entry into the examination venue allowed from 9 am. The question papers were distributed at 10.30 am. The test comprised a short paragraph-writing exercise of 30 minutes carrying 20 marks, followed by a one-hour general knowledge paper for 30 marks.

Social thinker Kanhu Charan Behura said the turnout was a reflection of the deep systemic failure of Odisha’s employment and economic planning. “The incident exposes the absence of district-level employment planning, unchecked export of raw natural resources without local value addition, shrinking avenues of dignified jobs for educated youths and the resulting migration, frustration and growing social instability among young Odias,” he said.