8,000 Job Seekers Turn Up at Odisha Airstrip for Home Guard Posts with Rs 612 Daily Wages

Thousands of candidates appeared for a Home Guard recruitment examination in Odisha, where a large turnout was recorded for a limited number of posts.

The examination venue and the scale of participation drew attention due to the numbers involved and the arrangements made to accommodate applicants.

Recruitment Exam Held at Jamadarpali Airstrip

The examination was conducted at the Jamadarpali airstrip in Sambalpur district. More than 8,000 candidates reached the venue to compete for 187 Home Guard posts. The open airstrip was used to seat candidates as conventional examination centres were insufficient to manage the crowd.

Reporting Time and Exam Structure

As per The Free Press Journal, the reporting time for candidates was fixed at 6 am, while entry into the examination area was allowed by 9 am. Question papers were distributed at 10:30 am. The written test included a paragraph writing section of 30 minutes carrying 20 marks, followed by a one-hour general knowledge paper worth 30 marks.

Security Arrangements at the Venue

To ensure smooth conduct of the examination, security arrangements were put in place at the airstrip. Police officers, sub-inspectors, traffic police personnel, and more than 100 Home Guard staff were deployed throughout the process to manage the movement of candidates and maintain order.

Pay, Eligibility and Nature of Duties

The Home Guard post offers a daily wage of Rs 612, amounting to around Rs 18,360 per month. The minimum educational qualification required for the role is Class V. Reports indicated that candidates from varied educational backgrounds appeared for the exam, including degree holders and diploma students.

The recruitment was organised by the Sambalpur police for Home Guard positions across 24 police stations. The role involves assisting police vehicles, handling basic computer-related work, and supporting routine operational duties.