25-JUN-2025,4:00 PM In a bold statement reflecting the concerns of youth employment in India, Congress leader Manickam Tagore has demanded that the Railway Board reverse its recent decision to re-employ retired personnel instead of recruiting fresh talent. The move, according to Tagore, undermines the aspirations of young job-seekers across the country and sends a discouraging message about the government’s employment priorities.
The Railway Board’s circular — aimed at bringing back retired staff for short-term duties — has sparked criticism from several quarters, but Manickam Tagore has emerged as one of the most vocal critics, terming the decision “regressive and unjust”.
Manickam Tagore Questions Government’s Commitment to Youth Employment
Manickam Tagore : Retired Workforce vs. Young Aspirants: A Troubling Shift
Manickam Tagore, Member of Parliament from Virudhunagar and a senior Congress leader, raised serious objections to the Railway Board’s directive. In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Railways, Tagore questioned why the Indian Railways — one of the largest employers in the country — would prefer to bring back retired officials instead of onboarding fresh candidates from a pool of millions of qualified job seekers.
Tagore argued that this approach clearly contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated assurances on creating employment opportunities for India’s youth. In his statement, he said:
“The government must prioritize fresh recruitment over the re-employment of retired officials. The country’s youth deserve better. This decision must be rolled back immediately.”
Manickam Tagore Railway Board’s Directive: What Does It Say?
Temporary Re-Employment for ‘Operational Efficiency’
The controversial circular issued by the Railway Board proposes the re-engagement of retired employees in various zones and departments for a fixed term — typically six months to a year. The stated intent is to ensure continuity and efficiency in ongoing operations without the delay of new recruitment processes.
However, critics argue that this strategy, while seemingly practical, actually reflects a lack of long-term planning and investment in building a skilled new workforce. It may also bypass transparency and equal opportunity principles embedded in public service recruitment.
Manickam Tagore: “This Is Unacceptable in a Youth-Driven Democracy”
Manickam Tagore: The Congress Leader Highlights a National Concern
In voicing his concerns, Manickam Tagore made it clear that the issue is not limited to the Railways alone. Instead, it points to a broader problem of neglecting employment creation in public sectors. He pointed out that more than 1.5 lakh railway jobs remain vacant across India, and lakhs of aspirants prepare rigorously each year in hopes of cracking railway recruitment exams.
“When qualified youth are waiting for government jobs, how can you justify rehiring those who have already retired with full benefits? This is not just unfair — it is unacceptable in a youth-driven democracy,” Tagore added.
Public Response and Opposition Support
Wider Political Backing and Social Media Outrage
The Congress MP’s remarks have found resonance among students, aspirants, and even other political leaders. Hashtags such as #StopRehiringRetired and #YouthDeserveJobs began trending shortly after Tagore’s statement went public. Twitter saw a flood of reactions, particularly from railway exam candidates who expressed frustration and disappointment.
Several opposition leaders echoed Manickam Tagore’s stance, stating that the government must not ignore growing unemployment rates — especially when public sector undertakings like the Indian Railways can absorb new graduates in large numbers.
Railway Recruitment: A Long-Standing Crisis
Pending Exams, Delayed Results, and Unclear Timelines
The controversy comes at a time when the railway recruitment process is already under scrutiny for its irregular scheduling, delayed results, and reduced job openings in recent years. Aspirants have staged protests in many parts of the country, demanding clarity and transparency in the recruitment process.
Manickam Tagore emphasized that the central government must not allow institutions like the Railways to serve as platforms for short-term fixes or administrative experiments at the cost of India’s unemployed youth.
What Experts Say About the Railway Board’s Move
Efficiency vs. Equity: A Policy Debate
Policy experts are divided over the Railway Board’s move. While some argue that re-employing retired staff can plug immediate gaps without the complications of training and onboarding, others insist that this sets a dangerous precedent. It undermines fair recruitment and may discourage talented individuals from pursuing government careers.
Employment analysts have also raised concerns that such re-employment strategies can eventually be used to privatize or contractually outsource essential public sector jobs, shrinking the opportunity pool for deserving young candidates.
Manickam Tagore’s Alternatives: More Than Just Criticism
Focus on Mass Recruitment and Skill Development
Unlike some political statements that stop at criticism, Manickam Tagore also offered alternatives. He suggested:
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Immediate announcement of pending railway recruitment notifications.
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Fast-track examination and interview schedules.
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Transparent and digitized selection processes.
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Partnership with skill development programs to match railway needs with trained young talent.
He emphasized that it is only through fresh hiring and structured workforce development that India can leverage its demographic dividend — a factor that has long been touted as one of the country’s biggest strengths.
Conclusion: The Debate Over Jobs and Justice
As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, the path forward must include strong, inclusive employment policies. The Railway Board’s decision to rehire retired officials — though possibly pragmatic in the short term — risks alienating the very demographic that will drive the country’s growth.
Manickam Tagore has brought an urgent and valid concern to the national spotlight. In a country where job creation is one of the top voter issues, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider and revise its policy to serve both efficiency and equity.
Source : ANI
