In Ladakh, the quest for gazetted post-recruitment persists even five years after attaining UT status, triggering age restrictions and youth unemployment, culminating in a crisis. Despite the democratic right to voice concerns, many in Ladakh hesitate due to looming threats. Of over 20 approached students, merely 6 have bravely spoken up, held back by fear of repercussions. The UT administration's promises over the past half-decade, including meetings and promised order dates, remain unfulfilled, necessitating urgent attention to quell the worries of Ladakh's youth. This frustration has birthed issues like drug abuse and mental health challenges, emphasizing the criticality of addressing Ladakh's employment concerns promptly.

Tundup Thinles, Former President ALUYA: In the past 4 years since Ladakh attained Union Territory status, there hasn't been any recruitment for Gazetted posts, and to this day, no new notifications have surfaced. L-G BD Mishra's actions have notably delayed effective governance delivery, particularly evident in the significant delay and absence of recruitment processes. This lack of action is conspicuous on the ground, amplifying the distressing reality of stagnant recruitment. The inactivity of our public representatives, MPs, and councillors exacerbates the issue, leaving Ladakh's youth in a dire predicament. Five years of preparation for recruitment have been futile due to overage limitations, hindering applications and selections. I, too, am adversely affected by this predicament, unable to apply even if positions are re-advertised. This delay has detrimentally impacted numerous lives in Ladakh, disqualifying qualified candidates due to age constraints.

Not only Gazetted but also non-Gazetted recruitments have stagnated, with recent Ladakh Police recruitment being a rare exception. However, progress remains elusive elsewhere. The ongoing discussions regarding a separate cadre for Ladakh offer potential solutions to the burgeoning employment crisis. Ladakh faces an acute employment challenge, urging authorities not to overlook this critical issue.

Zulfikar Ali, Vice President, Student Union Nubra: Since the inception of the Union Territory of Ladakh, there hasn't been a single announcement for government job vacancies, leaving candidates in a state of extreme frustration. This concerning situation poses risks of drug addiction and immense family pressure on job seekers. I earnestly implore the authorities to expedite the process of filling these crucial vacancies. In tandem, we aim to raise awareness by collaborating with the Nubra Student Union and conducting outreach programs in villages across Nubra. Our goal is to shed light on these pressing issues and garner support from the community.

Stanzin Nurbu Apex Body Youth wing: The ongoing recruitment process for a gazetted post in Ladakh is in its final stages, yet persistent delays are triggering frustration among dedicated students and youth who've invested years in preparation. It's crucial to prevent this issue from escalating into a political battleground during the forthcoming elections. Ladakh's highly educated youth are determined not to let their efforts go in vain. However, the absence of job offers, except for positions in the Ladakh police force, is a cause for concern. Urging the authorities to expedite this process, I appeal for swift action to benefit the entire youth community in Ladakh. Numerous well-qualified individuals have toiled diligently, and witnessing them compelled to apply for lower-level positions is disheartening. This pressing situation warrants immediate attention and resolution.

Padma Stanzin, LEAF President:  It's disheartening that even after 5 years since attaining UT status; there's been no recruitment for gazetted posts in Ladakh. The lack of advocacy from our representatives, bureaucrats, and administration at the required pace has left Ladakh's youth suffering and disenfranchised. Many highly qualified individuals, capable of holding officer positions, find themselves applying for non-gazetted roles due to the absence of opportunities.

The situation worsens as promises regarding joining dates for SSC candidates, even after case file sub-jury completion, remain unfulfilled. Events like Rozgar Mela seem to exploit youth support without addressing their employment needs. Approximately 30,000 unemployed candidates from Ladakh, as per SSC data, highlight the pressing issue of unemployment in the region.

Education and recruitment should take precedence, yet the lack of attention to this issue by the UT administration is evident. Despite discussions with public representatives, including MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and CEC Advocate Tashi Gyalson, no concrete steps have been taken.

Recent mentions of a separate cadre for Ladakh by December raise hopes, but stringent adherence to timelines is crucial. Failure to deliver could prompt the youth to make unemployment a manifesto issue in the upcoming 2024 elections. Despite pledges for efficient governance, the delay in gazette posts' recruitment signifies a significant failure on the ground, contrary to promises of transparent and prompt administration.

Moreover, the absence of an exam center in Ladakh due to infrastructure challenges implies further delays in recruitment rules. Stakeholders, the Hill Council, UT administration, and MPs must prioritize addressing youth issues. Supporting the youth will earn their support and encouragement in return.

Tsewang Dorjay, student: Since 2019, the recruitment for gazetted posts has remained pending in Ladakh. Previously, during the Kashmir administrative service, some gazetted posts were filled, albeit with minimal representation. However, under the current UT administration, promises were made to establish the Ladakh administration service. Unfortunately, progress on this front has been sluggish, as a recent notification indicated the formation of a body that will further delay the process of development, recruitment, and candidate joining. This elongated procedure is likely to span several more years.

The current administration in Ladakh comprises more bureaucrats than politicians. While the UT administration requires bureaucrats, equitable public representation is equally essential. We urge the Ladakh government to expedite the formation of the Ladakh administrative service at a fast-track level, appointing Ladakhi students to gazetted posts promptly. Furthermore, an SSC post advertisement was released a year and a half ago, and the selected candidates are yet to commence their roles. If this pattern persists, many youths will surpass the age limit, extinguishing their prospects.

As elections approach, representatives may begin offering incentives and making false promises. However, a pragmatic and feasible manifesto that addresses critical issues would benefit everyone. We hope for substantial progress in the days ahead, ensuring a fair advantage for all spheres, transcending the allure of mere electoral freebies and false assurances.

Rigzin Dorjay Student: I strongly believe that every Ladakhi is currently contributing to various fields of work. However, the absence of a local gazetted or Ladakhi head in leadership positions could significantly impact the future of Ladakhi youths. There's a risk of losing Ladakh's essence and traditions if an outsider assumes authority without a deep understanding of our region. This scenario would be detrimental to our future generations.

I've maintained faith and optimism in the UT administration since October 31, 2019. However, their promises of providing jobs have yet to materialize. Presently, students face immense pressure from their families due to these unfulfilled assurances. I appeal to the Member of Parliament to prioritize the resolution of youth issues by promptly providing gazette posts without further delay. This step is crucial in securing the prospects of Ladakhi youths and preserving the heritage and identity of Ladakh.