Bhopal, July 9: A law is being mulled over by the Madhya Pradesh government to fulfill one of the key poll promises of the Congress - to provide 70 per cent jobs in the private sector to local youths. Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday said the law could be enacted shortly to give the state's local population preference for employment.

After taking over as CM last year, Nath had said his government will provide incentives to industries that give 70 per cent of their jobs to those from the state, and indicated that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh get employment in Madhya Pradesh at the cost of the local population. Unemployment Rate Among Educated Persons Jumps to 11.4%: Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar Tells Lok Sabha

While speaking in the assembly during the Question Hour on Tuesday, Nath mentioned this statement and said he had to face criticism from several leaders from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for the remark, but asserted that his government is committed to generate employment opportunities for local youths.

He said governments in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal have a local language paper in competitive exams, which reduces the opportunity for youths from Madhya Pradesh in competitions there.

"The MP government would also ensure that local youths get priority in jobs in the state," the chief minister said.

Earlier, state General Administration Minister Govind Singh informed the House that the age restrictions for "outside" candidates in job recruitment examinations was lifted in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

He was replying to a question raised by BJP member Yashpal Singh Sisodiya, who pointed out that the Madhya Pradesh government has increased the age limit for candidates from other states from 27 years to 35 years for appearing in competitive examinations held in the state.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2019 10:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).