The candidates, initially shortlisted in the 2018 CAF recruitment for 1,786 posts, have been waiting for jobs despite over 3,000 positions remaining vacant. About 417 candidates from the waiting list have not been appointed, with many now over the age limit due to the prolonged delay. Candidates allege they have repeatedly approached offices, ministers, and even written to the Central Home Minister Amit Shah, without resolution.
During Saturday’s protest, several candidates, including parents with young children, reached the Deputy CM’s bungalow. Vijay Sharma met the candidates and assured them that a discussion with the Chief Minister would follow upon his return from Delhi. A decision would be taken after convening a representative panel, Sharma reportedly told the candidates, appealing to them to suspend the protest until then.
One candidate’s father and a five-year-old child were seen appealing to authorities outside the residence, underscoring the human cost of the prolonged delay. Candidates stated that many are forced to undertake daily labor to sustain their families while waiting for employment.
The recruitment backlog stems from the 2018 CAF intake during a BJP government. While merit-listed candidates were appointed, waiting list candidates were deferred due to vacant posts. Subsequent government changes, including the Congress administration, did not advance their recruitment. Over 50% of waiting list candidates are now over-age, making them ineligible for future CAF vacancies unless special provisions are made.
Chhattisgarh’s police force itself faces significant staffing shortages. Of the sanctioned 83,259 positions across the District Executive Force, CAF, and Telecom Force, only 65,439 personnel are currently employed, leaving over 17,800 posts vacant. Key gaps include 129 DSP positions and hundreds of inspector, sub-inspector, and constable posts, contributing to delays in law enforcement and crime investigation across the state.
Officials indicate that filling existing vacancies could expedite pending CAF recruitments. However, no formal timeline has been shared for recruitment of waiting list candidates, keeping the protest and public pressure ongoing.
The protest reflects growing discontent among long-waiting candidates and raises questions over administrative delays in addressing critical vacancies in state armed forces.
