UP bars those involved in violent ‘regime change’ activities from government jobs

The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh has issued an order stating that people involved in violent activities aimed at bringing about a “regime change” may be deemed ineligible for state government jobs, The Times of India reported on Thursday.

The order lays down guidelines for verifying candidates selected for direct recruitment to posts in state government departments, corporations, councils and local bodies.

“...individuals who are members of an organisation whose stated objective is to change the existing system of society through violence will be considered ineligible for appointment under the government,” the newspaper quoted the order as saying.

The order said that participation in such activities within the three years preceding verification and after the individual turns 21, may be considered evidence of their continued involvement. This presumption can be reconsidered if there is concrete evidence of a positive change in the person’s conduct during the intervening period, NDTV reported.

The government also said that candidates cannot be declared ineligible solely on the basis of their political ideology. The filing of a first information report or the pendency of an investigation alone will not automatically disqualify an applicant, NDTV reported.

The order came against the backdrop of protests in parts of the state and rest of the country demanding the resignation of Chief Election...

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