Odisha CM blames external forces for Gen-Z protests, announces civil services exam reforms

Bhubaneswar, August 15: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday reiterated his claim that external forces were behind the recent Gen-Z protests, which were critical of the Narendra Modi government's education policy. Speaking at the state-level Independence Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Mr. Majhi said these forces were attempting to mislead the nation's youth.

“Over the past few days, certain external forces, both within and outside the country, have been attempting to mislead the youth of the nation. The reason is that they do not want to see India emerge as a strong nation,” Mr. Majhi said at the event held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

The Chief Minister asserted that these forces were well aware that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not bow before them or compromise on national interests. “Therefore, they are targeting the youth. Their attempts have already been thoroughly exposed across the country,” he added.

Mr. Majhi urged young people to focus on their careers and not be influenced by such elements. “Our youth know that whatever problems they may face can be resolved only by PM Modi, and he is also taking the necessary steps in this direction. Therefore, do not allow yourselves to be influenced by anyone. Focus on your respective careers, which must be your first priority,” he said.

This is not the first time the Chief Minister has made such a statement. A week earlier, he had said that some external forces and invisible enemies were misleading youths through social media.

During the Independence Day address, Mr. Majhi also made several announcements. He said the existing limit of a maximum of six attempts for the Odisha Civil Services Examination would be removed. “Candidates will now be allowed to appear for the examination until they reach the prescribed upper age limit,” he announced. He also said restrictions on compassionate appointments following the death of government employees had been relaxed.

Addressing concerns among farmers, Mr. Majhi assured them that Agri-Stack registration would have no connection with P-PAS registration for paddy procurement. “Farmers need not worry that any issue with their Agri-Stack registration will create problems in selling their paddy. As in previous years, P-PAS registration will be carried out this year as well, and paddy procurement operations will be conducted on the basis of that registration,” he declared.