The Uttar Pradesh government has barred members of organisations that advocate “changing the existing social order through violent means (hinsaatmak reeti)” from getting state government jobs. The provision is part of fresh guidelines issued for screening candidates seeking government employment, following an Allahabad High Court order.

It also comes in the wake of street protests that rocked New Delhi recently.

Issued by Principal Secretary (Appointment and Personnel) M Devaraj on Wednesday, the guidelines state that a person cannot be deemed unsuitable for government employment on account of their political ideology.

The policy further states that participation in such “violent” activities after attaining 21 years of age and within three years before the date of verification will be treated as evidence that the person remains actively involved, unless “positive and concrete evidence” of a change in conduct during that period is available.

The guidelines apply to candidates selected for state government…