Hundreds of job seekers on Wednesday hit the streets and gheraoed the Nabarangpur District Collector’s office, advocating for district-based recruitment in government jobs. The job seekers, mostly young men and women, have beendemanding district-based job opportunities for government positions amid allegations of job grabbing by non-Nabarangpur individuals.Organised by the Milita Kriyanustan Committee, the protest saw significant participation from local youth demanding employment opportunities for all Group C and Group D jobs, including those for junior teachers, to be filled by candidates within the district.The protesters indicated that if their demands remain unmet, they will intensify their protest. The movement emphasises the need for local residents to be prioritised in recruitment to address the district’s employment challenges. As the protest continues, it affects local education as some parents are not sending their children to school- it may be as a sign of solidarity with the protesters or a consequence of the disruptions caused.Local sentiment strongly holds that these jobs should be retained for district residents. Many young people have turned up in significant numbers to voice this demand, highlighting a deep-rooted call for employment opportunities that align with local needs and conditions.The Milita Kriyanustan Committee has argued that implementing district-based recruitment policies could significantly enhance local employment prospects, providing much-needed economic benefits to the area. The protesters have reiterated their commitment to the cause, vowing to continue their campaign until the government acknowledges and acts upon their demands.“All the educated youths of Nabarangpur district, who have been deprived of job and employment opportunities in their home districts have also come together and assembled here. Despite repeated protests, our demands are thrown to the wind. It’s been more than 60 days, but no representative of the government has come forward to hold a discussion with us; the district administration is also not bothered to hold a discussion with us,” alleged BJD leader Pradeep Majhi.“The government is reluctant to take steps towards district-based employment and job opportunities. Our representatives, MLAs and MPs were with us earlier. However, after the formation of the new government, they have forgotten their promises,” alleged Arjun Bhatra, Chairperson of Milita Kriyanustan Committee.