Is PM Modi to Blame for the Unemployment Foes in Indian Youth?

It's not uncommon for young individuals to harbor negative feelings towards the government, especially when it comes to employment challenges. Critics often point fingers at Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and his government, suggesting that they are continually failing to create job opportunities for the burgeoning workforce. While opposition parties routinely use unemployment as a political tool, it's crucial to understand the multi-faceted nature of the issue and the roles played by various stakeholders.

Understanding the Political Landscape

Opposition parties frequently leverage unemployment as a campaign issue, aiming to capitalize on public discontent. However, it's important to recognize that their motivations often lie in securing and expanding their voter base rather than delivering practical solutions. Similarly, blaming PM Modi for the unemployment crisis often sidesteps the broader socio-economic context and the fundamental role that the general populace plays in economic outcomes.

Unemployment: A Complex Issue

It is a common misconception to attribute the entirety of unemployment to the government. In reality, the primary cause of unemployment is not the government but rather the actions and behaviors of the public itself. The pressing issue of population growth exacerbates the problem, making it challenging for any government to fully address employment challenges.

Demographic Challenges and Population Growth

The rapid population growth in India is a significant contributing factor to the unemployment problem. Since the year 2000, the population of India has surged from 1 billion to 1.3 billion, with an additional 300 million people added over the past two decades. This rapid growth means that even with substantial government efforts to create job opportunities, the sheer volume of new entrants into the job market outstrips the creation of new jobs. By 2100, the issue of unemployment is likely to persist, barring significant changes in population growth rates. Therefore, any serious discussion on employment must begin with a conversation about controlled population growth.

Skills and Preparation

Apart from demographic challenges, another critical factor is the lack of adequate skill development among young Indians. The prime age for developing employable skills is between 15 and 30 years. However, many young people within this age group exhibit a disinterest in career building, instead focusing on leisure activities such as social media engagement, entertainment, and personal pleasurable pursuits.

Lack of Career Preparation and Skill Development

Young Indians often delay serious career planning until their mid-20s or earlier. Many, especially those from the middle class, prioritize personal interests and social activities over academic and professional goals. They are far more interested in questions related to sex education and personal freedom rather than employable skills and career preparation. This mindset changes only after they face the reality of job scarcity in their late 20s or early 30s, resulting in desperation and a greater sense of urgency.

Interestingly, students who excel academically and possess strong employable skills are often less concerned about unemployment. On the other hand, average students often become highly concerned about employment opportunities due to a lack of other options. The perception that high grades alone will guarantee job placement perpetuates this issue, leading to a generation that lacks both the necessary skills and foresight.

Success Stories: The Role of Individual Skills

Despite these challenges, there are success stories of young individuals earning substantial sums through creating videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. These individuals have the capability to generate attractive content and presentations, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. These examples highlight the importance of developing versatile skills and being proactive in one's career planning.

Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Addressing youth unemployment in India requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only the government but also the engagement and responsibility of the general population. While the government must continue to innovate and create supportive policies, it is equally important for young individuals to take personal responsibility for their career and skill development. By acknowledging and addressing these issues collectively, India can make significant strides towards resolving its employment challenges.

To summarize:

Unemployment is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Population growth significantly impacts job creation. Career preparation and skill development begin with responsible and targeted youth engagement. Individual accountability is key in addressing unemployment.

It is time for both youth and the government to work together to foster a more educated, skilled, and resilient workforce.