Haryana High Court Seeks Data on Youth Employment via Employment Exchanges

Haryana Employment Exchanges Under Scrutiny: high Court Demands Data Amid Fraud Allegations

published: March 22, 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court is demanding a detailed accounting of Haryana’s employment exchanges, their effectiveness, and the resources allocated to them. This inquiry comes amid concerns that these exchanges might potentially be failing to fulfill their intended purpose, highlighted by a recent case involving alleged job-related fraud.

Court Orders comprehensive Review of Employment Exchanges

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed haryana’s chief secretary to provide extensive data regarding the state’s employment exchanges. This includes details on manpower, funds expended, and the number of individuals placed in jobs through these exchanges over the past three years. The court’s directive, issued in March 2025, seeks to assess the functionality and effectiveness of these government-run job centers.

the court has specifically requested the following details:

• Complete details of all employment exchanges established in haryana.
• Manpower deployed at each exchange.
• The total number of unemployed individuals registered with these exchanges as of February 28, 2025.
• Appointment data via employment exchanges in the past three years.
• Total funds spent by the state to operate these employment exchanges.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 8,2025.

Background: Allegations of Job-Related Fraud Trigger Inquiry

The court’s scrutiny was prompted, in part, by an anticipatory bail plea from Harpreet Singh, who is under investigation in a criminal case registered on June 27, 2024, in fatehabad. The case involves allegations of cheating,forgery,and criminal conspiracy related to promises of government jobs.

The allegations centre around Sushil Kumar, who allegedly defrauded approximately 15 people by promising them government jobs in exchange for ₹60,000 (approximately $720 USD) each. Harpreet Singh’s name surfaced in the investigation because his bank account was allegedly used by the primary accused.

While Harpreet Singh’s counsel, senior advocate Bipan Ghai, argued that his client had no direct involvement and was implicated later in the investigation, the court granted him interim protection from arrest and directed him to cooperate with the investigation.

The court observed that similar allegations and FIR filings are a recurring problem in Haryana, underscoring the need to examine the functioning of employment exchanges.

“…prima facie it appears that employment exchange(s) have almost become non-functional for the desired purpose,”

Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu

This statement from Justice Sindhu highlights the court’s concerns regarding the efficacy of the employment exchanges in addressing unemployment and preventing fraud.

Implications for Haryana and Beyond: A Look at Workforce development Challenges

The Haryana case raises critical questions about the effectiveness of conventional employment exchange systems in today’s rapidly evolving job market. It mirrors challenges faced by workforce development agencies across the United States. While the specific allegations of fraud are concerning, the underlying issue is weather these institutions are adequately serving the needs of job seekers and employers.

In the U.S., similar workforce development agencies are grappling with:

• Skills Gap: A disconnect between the skills employers need and the skills job seekers possess.
• Technological Disruption: The rapid pace of technological change requires continuous upskilling and reskilling of the workforce.
• Equity and Access: Ensuring that all individuals, nonetheless of background, have access to quality training and employment opportunities.

States like California and Massachusetts have implemented innovative workforce development programs that focus on industry partnerships, sector-based training, and individualized career services. These programs aim to address the skills gap and help individuals transition into high-demand occupations.

The scrutiny in Haryana could lead to a much-needed modernization of its employment system, perhaps incorporating elements of successful U.S. models. This could involve:

• Investing in technology to improve job matching and career counseling services.
• Partnering with local businesses to develop training programs that meet specific industry needs.
• Expanding access to online resources and virtual career services.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

While the court’s concerns are valid, its important to consider potential counterarguments. Haryana’s employment exchanges may face challenges beyond their direct control, such as a lack of available jobs in certain sectors or a mismatch between job seeker expectations and employer requirements. Moreover, evaluating the success of these exchanges solely based on placement numbers might overlook other valuable services they provide, such as career counseling, resume assistance, and job search workshops.

It’s also worth noting that the reliance on formal employment exchanges might be declining as more job seekers turn to online platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. However, these online platforms can exacerbate existing inequalities, as individuals without access to technology or strong online networks may be further disadvantaged.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

As of March 22, 2025, the Haryana government has not yet publicly responded to the court’s order. The chief secretary’s affidavit,due on May 8,2025,will provide a crucial insight into the state’s perspective on the functioning of its employment exchanges. the data presented in the affidavit will likely inform future policy decisions and potential reforms to the system.

The U.S.Department of Labor offers various resources and best practices for workforce development agencies. Haryana could potentially draw upon these resources to improve its own system. Furthermore, collaborations with international organizations focused on workforce development could provide valuable insights and technical assistance.

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Interview: Reforming Haryana’s Employment exchanges for the 21st Century

Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re discussing the crucial topic of Haryana’s employment exchanges, which are currently under the spotlight due to a High Court inquiry. To shed light on this, we have Ms. Priya Sharma, a leading workforce advancement consultant and expert in modernizing employment systems. Ms. Sharma, welcome to Archyde.

The Court’s Scrutiny and Underlying Concerns

Archyde: Ms. Sharma, the High Court is demanding detailed data on Haryana’s employment exchanges.From your outlook, what are the key issues that likely prompted this scrutiny, and how do they reflect broader challenges in workforce development?

Priya Sharma: Thank you for having me. The court’s concerns likely revolve around the effectiveness and potential misuse of these exchanges. The allegations of job-related fraud, as highlighted by the case, are a serious red flag. However, the underlying issue points to whether these exchanges are efficiently connecting job seekers wiht employers in a rapidly changing job market. I suspect the court is also investigating if the exchanges provide value to the community.

Modernizing Employment Systems and Addressing the Skills Gap

Archyde: The article mentions challenges related to the skills gap,technological advancements,and ensuring equity in access to employment. How can Haryana modernize its employment exchanges to address these issues, and what steps can be taken to bridge the skills gap?

Priya Sharma: Modernization is key.Haryana could draw inspiration from successful models in states like California and Massachusetts. This includes investing in updated technology for job matching, career counseling, and online resources. Crucially, they should partner with local businesses to develop training programs tailored to industry needs. Addressing the skills gap requires focus on sector-based training initiatives and individualized career services that are more relevant to today’s changing work environment.

Fraud Prevention, Transparency, and Future Directions

Archyde: The recent fraud allegations are concerning. what measures can be implemented to increase transparency and prevent such fraudulent activities within these exchanges?

Priya Sharma: Transparency and accountability are paramount.Implementing a robust digital tracking system of all job placements is a huge and immediate start to improving the current situation. Regularly auditing the system,and creating clear protocols for employers and job seekers would also go a long way toward building trust and promoting accountability with their services.Technology can greatly help with this.

Archyde: The court hearing is scheduled for May 8.What are you expecting from the government’s response, and what key elements should be included in any future reforms?

Priya Sharma: I anticipate a extensive plan for modernization, hopefully including concrete steps to enhance technology, partnerships, job placement data, and a commitment to transparency. The key elements must include a clear timeline of how the exchanges intend to partner with employers to create training programs, improve online accessibility, and address the skills gap. It is time that the Employment Exchange is focused on the needs of both the job seeker, and possibly, the employer.

Final Thoughts and Reader Engagement

Archyde: Ms. Sharma, thank you for this insightful interview. One final question for you: Considering the shift towards more online job platforms, what do you believe is the future role of traditional employment exchanges, and where will the government take these for the future?

Priya Sharma: That’s a thought-provoking question.Although online platforms are indeed critical today, the role of physical employment exchanges is definitely not over. I think employment exchanges will act, more and more, as local job centers, providing dedicated individualised support to help people find jobs that match their skill. Also, those centers can provide access to technology, and career services, which can be lacking for many. The exchanges should also focus on catering to those underserved thru traditional online platforms. I’m curious to know how our readers see the role of these physical employment exchanges evolve. Please share your recommendations in the comments below.