The Manipur Youth Congress marched in Imphal on September 19, demanding the immediate filling of vacant government posts and greater transparency in recruitment. The protest formed part of the organisation’s “Meri Degree Ka Kya?” campaign, which focuses on employment concerns among educated youth.
The march began at Congress Bhavan and moved towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Police personnel stopped the protesters during the march, but demonstrators continued towards the area near the Chief Minister’s residence before returning to Congress Bhavan.
Manipur Youth Congress raises recruitment concerns
The Manipur Youth Congress called for recruitment against vacant government posts through a regular and predictable process. The organisation also demanded a fixed annual recruitment calendar so that job seekers can better understand when government hiring will take place.
Moreover, the protesters sought time-bound recruitment and greater transparency in selection. They argued that government employment should be based on clear and fair procedures rather than prolonged delays or uncertain recruitment schedules.
The protest was led by All India Youth Congress National General Secretary Tarh Johny and Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress president W Anand Singh, along with other members and supporters.
Demands include lower application fees
The Manipur Youth Congress also called for reducing government recruitment application fees to ₹1. It further demanded legislation to strengthen transparent and fair recruitment practices.
In addition, the organisation opposed contractual appointments against regular government vacancies. It called for regular recruitment against sanctioned posts and said young applicants should have access to a predictable hiring system.
The demands come amid wider discussion in Manipur over vacancies and government employment. A joint action committee of state employees also raised the issue during a silent rally in Imphal on September 18. The committee urged the government to begin due process for filling sanctioned vacancies and opposed continued contractual recruitment.
Government has approved fresh recruitment
The protest comes shortly after the state Cabinet approved recruitment for 2,720 vacant posts in the police department. The decision, announced on September 10, covers posts including constables and other categories in the police and India Reserve Battalion structure.
The development provides a recent example of recruitment moving forward in some departments. However, the Manipur Youth Congress is seeking action across government departments and a broader recruitment framework rather than recruitment limited to particular services.
Separately, the Manipur Staff Selection Commission has continued recruitment-related activities. Its official website lists appointments and recruitment processes, including Multi-Tasking Staff and Special Primary Teacher recruitment in 2026.
Focus remains on educated unemployed youth
During the protest, Youth Congress leaders linked their demands to the difficulties faced by educated young people seeking stable employment. Tarh Johny said unemployment remained a serious concern and called for regular, transparent and timely recruitment.
Anand Singh also raised concerns about vacant posts and alleged that recruitment could become influenced by political considerations. These claims were made by the protesters and represent their position rather than an independently established finding.
Meanwhile, official recruitment bodies continue to publish notifications for different posts. The Manipur Public Service Commission, for instance, has listed examination schedules and recruitment updates for several government positions.
Manipur Youth Congress signals further agitation
The Manipur Youth Congress said the September 19 march was an initial step in its campaign. Leaders indicated that further action could follow if the government does not address their demands.
For now, the central issues raised by the protesters are filling vacant posts, reducing barriers for applicants, ending reliance on contractual recruitment for sanctioned positions and establishing predictable recruitment schedules.
The government has already approved some fresh recruitment, while official commissions continue recruitment processes for various posts. Therefore, the broader issue will depend on how quickly vacancies across departments are identified, notified and filled through established procedures
