The farmers say that their basic demands have not yet been met, even though the government did withdraw highly controversial Farm Reform Acts (Photo: MIG)
Rajesh Kumar, a 27-year-old postgraduate in economics, never imagined that after years of hard work and dedication to his studies, he would be applying for a sweeper’s job. But like thousands of other graduates in Haryana, Kumar finds himself trapped in an endless cycle of frustration and unemployment.
“I studied for years, did everything right, and now, after all the effort, I am applying for a job that does not even require a basic degree. It feels like my qualifications have no value. I have applied for several positions in my field, but nothing ever works out. Every time, they either want experience I don’t have or offer jobs with salaries so low, it would not even cover my living expenses. I have friends who went abroad or moved to big cities because they could not find work here. But I want to stay in Haryana, close to my family, and contribute to the place I call home,” Kumar, a resident of Kharbala in Hisar Haryana tells Media India Group.
A staggering 46,102 graduates and postgraduates have recently applied for the position of contractual sweepers under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN). This includes 39,990 graduates and 6,112 postgraduates who are vying for a job typically meant for individuals with lower qualifications. Additionally, about 1,17,144 individuals with Class 12 qualifications have applied for the same position, contributing to a total of 395,000 applicants. The government did not disclose the total number of positions, which come with a monthly salary of INR 15,000 (USD 180).
“Now, I am left with no choice but to take whatever I can get, whether it is a sweeper’s job or anything else that comes my way. It is heart-breaking. The government keeps saying that unemployment is decreasing, but look at us. If things were really improving, then why are millions of educated people like me applying for a sweeper’s job? We spent years studying, hoping for a better future, but here we are, struggling to survive. The government talks about job creation, but where are the jobs for people like us,” he adds.
As Haryana’s elections approach, disillusionment with the ruling BJP is growing, particularly among the state’s youth. After a decade of promises on employment, many feel the government has failed to deliver. The rising number of highly educated individuals applying for menial jobs like sweepers is seen as a direct consequence of the lack of job opportunities.
“We have given BJP 10 years, and we have seen what they can and can’t do when it comes to employment. This election, we won’t be voting for them. We have seen enough, and we know they can’t deliver the change we need,” Kumar adds.
This grim reality is coupled with a range of other pressing issues in Haryana. Not only is the state battling unemployment, but it also faces rising crime rates, particularly against women. Haryana’s crime statistics have been a significant talking point as the elections approach. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Haryana ranked second in the country for the number of rape cases registered for every 100,000 population in 2021. Kidnappings were also high, with 3,724 cases reported. These numbers have raised concerns about the safety of women and children in the state, with several citizens calling for immediate reforms.
“As a mother, every time my daughter steps out of the house, I can’t help but feel terrified. Our daughters are not safe here. It is not just statistics or news anymore, it is a fear we live with every single day. Rapes are happening around us, in broad daylight, in places that were once considered safe. Every day, we hear about another woman assaulted, another girl snatched away from her family. Someone gets kidnapped, and we wonder, is it our turn next,” Seema Devi, 43-year-old housewife of Rithal in Rohtak district tells Media India Group.
“It is exhausting, this constant worry, this never-ending cycle of violence and fear. We raise our daughters to be strong, to be independent, but what does that mean when our society can’t even ensure their safety? I should not have to think about whether my daughter will make it home safely after school. We need leaders who care, who understand that this is not just about law and order, this is about the future of our children, about our collective peace of mind. We do not need more promises, we need action. We need to feel safe,” she adds.
Besides rapes, in 2022, Haryana also had the highest rate of crime against women in India, with 118 crimes reported for every 100,000 women.
“It is not just about numbers, it is about the fear that grips women here every day. We need leaders who won’t just talk about women’s safety but actually do something about it. The BJP’s slogan of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao sounds good, but it is just words. In reality, they are not saving or protecting our daughters. Women are still unsafe, and crimes continue to rise. We need real action, not empty slogans. How can we believe in these promises when the reality on the ground is so different,” Devi adds.
Frustrated farmers
Haryana and Punjab, along with a few other states, have been protesting against the farm policies of the Union and state government (Photo: MIG)
Along with Punjab, Haryana is called the granary of India due to its high productivity of various agricultural products and as farming is by far the largest employer in the state. However, for the past four years, farmers in Haryana and Punjab, along with a few other states, have been protesting against the farm policies of the Union and state government. Thousands of farmers from Haryana had joined in a protest at the borders of Delhi, which well over a year. The farmers say that their basic demands have not yet been met, even though the government did withdraw highly controversial Farm Reform Acts. With elections round the corner, farmers in Haryana say it is time of reckoning for the BJP.
The farmers say they are struggling with the escalating costs of fertilisers and dissatisfaction with the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which has failed to provide the promised support and financial security. The juxtaposition of these issues paints a grim picture of life in Haryana, where safety and agricultural sustainability are under threat.
“The cost of fertilisers has doubled and we barely get any returns on our crops. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is so low that we struggle to break even. And when crops fail, the Fasal Bima Yojana is supposed to help us, but the process is so complicated that many of us don’t get the payouts on time, or at all. We have been promised support for years, but nothing changes on the ground. We are tired of empty promises, we need real help, not more schemes that don’t work,” Ramesh Singh, 46-year-old farmer from Shergah in Kaithal, tells Media India Group.
“We don’t know who will win this election, but one thing is clear, BJP should not win, we have seen what they have done or rather, what they haven’t done. We have become more aware now and we know that BJP is not going to do anything for us. They had a decade to make real changes, but nothing has improved. It is time for us to stop believing their promises and start demanding real action from leaders who will actually work for the people,” he adds.
As frustration mounts among Haryana’s farming community, there is a growing demand for leaders who will bring tangible changes, rather than just offering empty promises. After a decade of BJP governance, many farmers feel the party has failed to address their key concerns, leaving them with rising costs and poorly implemented schemes.
With elections nearing, farmers are now questioning whether BJP deserves another term, given the lack of progress on agricultural reforms.
“This election, we need our leaders to prioritise the challenges we face in farming. The rising costs and the ineffective insurance scheme are making it harder for us to sustain our livelihoods. We want concrete plans to reduce input costs and ensure timely support for crop failures. It is time for real action, not just promises,” Rajinder Malik, 56-year-old farmer from Shergah in Kaithal, tells Media India Group.
“Our farmer brothers have been protesting since February at the Shambhu border, but the BJP has been completely silent. It is as if they don’t care whether we exist or not. BJP is just ignoring our demands and our rights, pretending like we don’t matter. What else can we expect from them? This election will show BJP its real place. We are fed up, and this time, we won’t be fooled by empty promises. The people will decide and BJP will finally see the consequences of ignoring us for so long,” he adds.
As Haryana heads to the polls, issues of employment, crime, and governance will dominate the discourse. The question remains whether the incoming government can deliver on its promises and bring tangible change to a state struggling with deep-rooted problems.