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Dr. Archana Srivastava, Lucknow

India is today counted among the youngest countries in the world. The large youth population here is considered to be the biggest strength of the country, but when the same youth wanders in search of employment after completing their studies, it is no longer just a personal problem, but becomes a matter of social and national concern. Today, on the increasing unemployment in India, the question often arises that who is responsible for this, the youth or the government?

Do the youth not want to work hard or are there shortcomings in the system which do not allow their hard work to reach their destination? The truth is that there are many complex reasons behind this problem, which include the system, education system, economic conditions and changing social expectations.

First of all, it is important to understand that today’s youth is much more educated and aware than before. Lakhs of students prepare for difficult examinations for years, take coaching, invest their time, money and energy, but when government recruitments do not come out on time, posts remain vacant for years or after recruitment process gets stuck in uncertainty, then it is natural to feel disappointed in the minds of the youth.

A major cause of unemployment in India is delays and irregularities in recruitment processes. In many departments, vacancies do not come for years and when they come, the process from examination to appointment becomes very long. Many times incidents like paper leak spoil all the hard work. Lakhs of youth prepare for an examination for months and years, but when the paper gets leaked, the examination gets canceled and they have to return to the same struggle again.

This not only results in loss of time, but also creates mental stress and lack of trust. Apart from this, many recruits get entangled in court cases. After the results are declared, objections, reservation disputes, questions on the selection process or administrative errors put the recruitment on hold for years. During this time, lakhs of youth live with the worry of crossing the age limit. There is another side to this question also. The nature of employment is changing in changing times.

Today, government job is no longer the only option for employment. Private sector, startups, digital skills, self-employment and entrepreneurship are also providing opportunities. It has been seen many times that some youth depend only on government jobs and do not pay attention to other possibilities. Not developing skills according to the changing market also becomes a reason for unemployment.

Our education system also contributes to this problem to some extent. Schools and colleges provide mostly theoretical education, while practical skills, communication skills, technical knowledge and industry- training required for jobs are lacking. As a result, despite having a degree, many youth do not become employable. The solution to this problem lies not in criticism alone, but in concrete reforms. The government should ensure that all government recruitments are completed within the stipulated time frame.

Secondly, there should be strict laws and prompt action against exam rigging and paper leaks. Also, skill development, digital training and vocational education should be promoted in colleges and universities, so that the youth become employable and not just degree holders.

The youth should be motivated to become job creators and not just job seekers. If the youth gets honest opportunities, transparent system and right direction, then only the youth can become the biggest basis of progress of the country. The youth will have to struggle, but the system will also have to do justice to their dreams. (These are the personal views of the author)