No government jobs in Uttar Pradesh for protesters ‘involved in regime change through violence’

Addressing concerns over frivolous criminal complaints, the Yogi Adityanath-led government clarified that the mere lodging of a FIR or an ongoing police investigation will not automatically disqualify a candidate. File

The Uttar Pradesh government has barred those protesting for a change in the “established system” from getting State government jobs, significantly tightening as well as broadening its parameters for direct recruitment to government services.

The State government revised guidelines of character verification norms for candidates selected through direct recruitment in government departments, mentioned that individuals associated with organisations “seeking to change the existing political system through violent means” is ineligible for government jobs.

The guidelines, issued by Principal Secretary (Appointment and Personnel) M Devaraj on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), said candidates found to be members of organisations whose stated objective is to bring about a change in the existing system through violent means will be considered ineligible for state employment.

The government added, however, that political ideology alone cannot be grounds for disqualification. The rules will apply to character verification in government departments, public sector corporations, boards and urban and rural local bodies. The revised framework also says that if a candidate involved in “violent activities or activities aimed at changing the existing system” within the three years preceding the verification date, after attaining the age of 21, it may be presumed that the person continues to be actively involved.

However, authorities may consider documented evidence of a genuine positive shift in the candidate’s conduct and mindset during this period.

Addressing concerns over frivolous criminal complaints, the Yogi Adityanath-led government clarified that the mere lodging of a FIR or an ongoing police investigation will not automatically disqualify a candidate.

Similarly, candidates who have secured an acquittal, resolved cases through lawful compromises, or whose cases fall under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act will not face automatic rejection.

Existing State government employees will not require fresh character verifications, though necessary service records may be requisitioned from their previous parent departments, it said.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said, “These are the rules of a cowardly government. What does regime change mean? It is not a change in the system, it is a change in power.”

He said the SP supports a change of government only through democratic means, particularly elections, and does not advocate any other method of changing power.

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajpoot also criticised the BJP, saying that peaceful protests and sit-ins by young people should not be treated as acts of violence.

He said the BJP’s attempt to portray youth movements as violent would invite a strong response not only from the youth of Uttar Pradesh but also from across the country.

“If young people protest, it is not violence. If they stage a sit-in, it is not violence. If they protest against paper leaks, it is not violence,” Mr. Rajpoot said, warning that the BJP was driving another nail into its own coffin by taking such steps.

“People spreading anarchy should be treated like this,” said BJP MP Ram Pratap Singh.