JJP’s Dushyant Chautala: ‘I will join the fight in Supreme Court for 75% local quota in private jobs’

Dushyant Chautala, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader and former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, has announced his decision to personally join the Supreme Court case over the 75% local job quota. He plans to officially support the law that reserves private sector jobs for local youth in Haryana.

The JJP had made this law a central part of its 2019 poll promise. As Deputy Chief Minister, Chautala pushed for its implementation. Today, he reaffirms that promise, stating, “This law is about dignity and opportunity for our youth. I will stand by it in court.”

Background: The 75% Local Job Quota

The Haryana government passed the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act in 2020. It came into effect in January 2022. The law requires private companies to hire 75% of their workforce from among local candidates for jobs that pay up to ₹30,000 per month.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court struck down the law. It called the quota unconstitutional. The court argued that the law violated Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to work in any profession or business.

In response, the Haryana government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. The case is ongoing. The next hearing is expected in November 2025.

Chautala said he would file an application to formally intervene. He also urged the Supreme Court to hold regular hearings. “This isn’t just a legal matter,” he said. “It’s about justice and fairness for our people.”

Why This Quota Matters to Haryana’s Youth

Haryana has one of the highest unemployment rates in India, especially among educated youth. Many private companies in industrial hubs like Gurugram and Manesar prefer to hire workers from outside the state. As a result, local youth often struggle to find jobs in their own towns.

Chautala and the JJP believe the law will give locals a fair chance. They argue that companies benefit from operating in Haryana, and they should also support the local population.

On the other hand, industry leaders have raised concerns. Many private firms say the quota limits their freedom to hire based on skill. Groups like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have warned that it could reduce investment and growth in the state.

Constitutional Concerns and Legal Challenges

The High Court struck down the law because it saw it as a restriction on business freedom. It ruled that forcing private employers to hire based on residency went against the Constitution.

Legal experts are divided. Some believe that the law oversteps constitutional limits. Others argue that states should have the power to protect their local populations, especially when joblessness is high.

The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the case. Chautala’s move to intervene could add pressure and visibility to the issue. It could also help his party politically.

JJP’s Strategy Behind the Move

Chautala’s decision is more than a legal step. It’s also part of a broader political strategy. The JJP has started a fresh membership campaign across Haryana and nearby states like Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

“We want to give a platform to the youth,” he said. “They need jobs, and they need a voice.”

By focusing again on local employment, the JJP hopes to reconnect with its core voter base. The party is aiming to rebuild after its split with the BJP alliance and poor performance in recent elections.

Analysts say this issue gives the JJP a strong, emotional message. Youth unemployment remains a pressing concern in Haryana. The 75% quota has wide appeal in rural and semi-urban areas.

What Comes Next?

The Supreme Court is likely to hear the case in the coming months. Chautala’s application to intervene could influence the direction of the proceedings. If the court allows him to join, it may add more weight to the defense of the law.

Whether the court upholds or strikes down the law, the debate around local quotas will continue. Other states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have explored similar policies.

Chautala remains confident. “We brought this law with the intention to uplift our youth,” he said. “We will fight till the end.”