Odisha Employment Crisis: Degree-Holders Apply for Class 5-Level Home Guard Posts in Rourkela

Rourkela, (OT Webdesk)— In a stark illustration of Odisha’s employment woes, nearly 700 job-seekers with professional degrees such as B.Tech, MBA, MCA, and diplomas turned up for physical tests for Home Guard positions — roles that traditionally require just a Class 5 education.

Held at the Rourkela Reserve Ground, the recruitment drive offers a modest daily wage of Rs 612 for only 107 available posts under the Rourkela Police District.

Despite having cleared the written exam on June 9, the turnout highlights a deep mismatch between candidate qualifications and job availability. Over 9,000 applications were received, marking a surge driven more by necessity than career choice.

Many aspirants voiced frustration, citing the absence of jobs aligned with their expertise and the desperation to secure any form of employment.

This sobering scene underscores a pressing need for targeted job creation and skill-aligned employment strategies to bridge the growing gap between education and opportunity.