India finds itself embroiled in a severe unemployment crisis, as reported by Al Jazeera.Despite assertions by the Modi government of propelling the nation into the ranks of the world's largest economies, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture.
Unemployment and poverty have escalated to alarming levels, leaving millions grappling with financial instability.
According to the India Employment Report, a staggering 83% of the country's unemployed population comprises young individuals, thrusting them into the throes of uncertainty and desperation. The promises made by the government to alleviate this crisis have seemingly fallen short, with many feeling betrayed by unfulfilled assurances.
In the face of dwindling opportunities, Indian youth are resorting to informal employment, with over half turning to online platforms to eke out a living. The construction sector, a vital source of employment for many, has been plagued by exploitative labour practices, with nearly 70% of workers toiling for minimum wages.
The decline in the quality of jobs since the current government took office has been a matter of grave concern, as highlighted by experts at the Institute for Human Development in New Delhi. Director of the Center for Employment Studies, citing a dramatic surge in informal employment, underscores the precarious nature of the Indian economy.
Rohit Kumar Sahu, a citizen deeply impacted by the crisis, bared his struggles in an interview with Al Jazeera. "I am forced to work as a delivery boy to pay my college fees," lamented Sahu, echoing the plight of countless others ensnared in the vicious cycle of unemployment and financial hardship.
The dire situation is further exacerbated by the overwhelming competition for limited government positions, with Sahu revealing that a staggering 4 lakh Indians vie for just 12,000 vacancies. Faced with such daunting odds, many are left with no choice but to explore alternative, often illegal avenues for sustenance.
The repercussions of this crisis extend beyond India's borders, with reports of illegal migration to countries like America and the UK on the rise. Human trafficking, a sinister consequence of rising unemployment, has reached unprecedented levels, further underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.
As the Modi government grapples with mounting criticism and calls for action, the plight of millions hangs in the balance, underscoring the imperative of swift and effective measures to alleviate India's unemployment crisis.
