Agartala, October 16: Former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar has extended his wholehearted support to the overnight protest by TET-1 job aspirants, questioning the state government’s failure to engage with the protesting candidates.
Sarkar said that although it might not be possible to provide jobs to everyone immediately, the Chief Minister should at least listen to the grievances of the candidates and hold discussions with their representatives.
“I support this protest wholeheartedly. It may not be possible to provide jobs to everyone at once, but why should the Chief Minister refuse to speak with them?” Sarkar said, stressing that a dialogue with the job seekers was the least the government could do.
Pointing out that many of the candidates could eventually find employment in the Education Department, Sarkar noted that Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha himself holds the Education portfolio. He said the Chief Minister, being the head of the government, should respond positively when the candidates seek an opportunity to discuss their demands.
Describing the situation as unethical and inhumane, Sarkar said forcing job aspirants to spend the entire night sitting on the streets reflected the seriousness of their plight.
“The very fact that they have been forced to spend the night sitting on the streets—a sight we have not witnessed before—speaks volumes. They have been left with no other choice, and they have my full support,” he said.
Sarkar also endorsed the demands raised by the protesting candidates and urged the state government to take immediate notice of their concerns.
He called upon the government to hold talks with representatives of the job seekers and take proactive and positive steps towards facilitating their employment, keeping their qualifications in consideration.
His remarks have added to the growing debate over the demands of TET-1-qualified candidates seeking government employment in Tripura.