BJP’s 2018 Employment Promises Under Intense Scrutiny in Tripura, Questions Grow Over Delay in TCS, TPS and TFS Recruitment

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 14, 2026

The issue of unemployment and vacant government posts has once again become a major topic of political and public debate in Tripura, with growing criticism over the alleged failure to fulfill several major employment promises made during the 2018 Assembly elections. Educated unemployed youths across the state are expressing frustration over the continuing vacancy crisis and the slow pace of recruitment in government departments despite repeated assurances regarding job creation.

According to allegations now being widely discussed in administrative and political circles, since the BJP government came to power in Tripura in 2018, fewer than 21,000 unemployed youths have reportedly been recruited into various state government departments. The figure has triggered strong reactions because more than 55,000 government posts are believed to be lying vacant across departments including education, administration, police, forest, health and other essential services.

The controversy has intensified because during the 2018 Assembly election campaign, the BJP had reportedly promised in its election manifesto that nearly 50,000 vacant government posts would be filled within the very first year if the party came to power in the state. However, critics allege that even after more than 8 years in office, that assurance has not been fulfilled.

The issue has become more sensitive due to allegations that there has been no significant recruitment for important state cadre services such as the Tripura Civil Service (TCS), Tripura Police Service (TPS), and Tripura Forest Service (TFS) despite a large number of vacant sanctioned posts. Thousands of competitive examination aspirants preparing for these prestigious services are reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated over the absence of fresh recruitment notifications and examination schedules.

Observers believe prolonged delays in cadre recruitment could eventually affect administrative functioning, policing efficiency, and departmental leadership capacity in the state. The situation has also raised concerns among educated youths who believe that opportunities for qualified local candidates are shrinking despite growing vacancies in government departments.

At the same time, old employment-related assurances made during the 2018 election campaign have once again returned to public discussion. During the campaign period, the BJP had also reportedly promised regularisation of irregular DRW and contingent workers and rehabilitation of the 10,323 retrenched teachers through alternative government employment opportunities. However, affected groups and critics allege that none of these promises have been fully implemented till date.

The issue of the 10,323 retrenched teachers continues to remain one of the most emotionally charged and politically sensitive matters in Tripura. Many affected families are still demanding permanent rehabilitation and stable employment arrangements. Similarly, thousands of Daily Rated Workers and contingent employees continue to seek regularisation and long-term job security.

Public anger has intensified further amid allegations that while regular recruitment remains limited, several retired officers and bureaucrats are continuing in important administrative positions through extensions, contractual appointments, and post-retirement re-employment arrangements. Critics argue that instead of filling vacant posts through transparent examinations and regular recruitment under proper pay scales, the administration is increasingly depending on temporary and extension-based systems.

Social media discussions, student organizations, and unemployed youth forums across Tripura have witnessed growing criticism regarding delayed recruitment, vacant posts, and unfulfilled promises. Many aspirants claim they have spent years preparing for government examinations while opportunities continue to remain uncertain.

As unemployment remains one of the most important public concerns in Tripura, the growing debate surrounding vacant posts, delayed recruitment, cadre examinations, and unfulfilled employment promises is rapidly emerging as a major political and administrative challenge for the state government.

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