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21st November 2023 (10 Topics)

What the young want

Context

In the current round of assembly elections, one of the issues that is reportedly high on the minds of voters, but not framed adequately by parties, is that of youth unemployment and the missing opportunities.

Unemployment Woes in Election-Bound States

  • Unemployment Crisis: The states of Telangana, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh grapple with severe job scarcity, intensified by delayed and fraudulent government exams.
  • Political Responses to the Challenge: Parties propose diverse solutions, from job calendars to transparent exam resolutions, reflecting the urgency to address the pressing employment crisis in these states.
  • The Urgency of Addressing Job Woes: The immediate need to tackle unemployment becomes evident, shaping political narratives and influencing electoral discourse, highlighting the electorate's keen focus on job opportunities.

Alarming Youth Unemployment Statistics

  • Unemployment Rates: Telangana, Rajasthan, and Mizoram witness youth unemployment rates surpassing the national average, as per the 2022-23 Periodic Labour Force Survey.
  • Consequences of High Unemployment: Elevated competition, anxiety, and a surge in student suicides characterize regions with extensive youth unemployment, notably observed in coaching hubs like Kota.
  • Urgent Need for Intervention: The data underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to address the ripple effects of high youth unemployment, including mental health challenges and academic pressure.

Strategies to Alleviate Student Distress

  • Supply Side Intervention: Promote diverse career paths, expand quality education access, and shift focus from rote memorization to critical thinking for a holistic educational approach.
  • Demand Side Strategies: Create non-traditional job opportunities, enhance working conditions, raise awareness of alternative careers, and mitigate societal pressures to diversify career landscapes.
  • Political Imperative: Political parties must address these multifaceted concerns, meeting youth aspirations for diverse and equitable career opportunities, acknowledging the changing educational and employment landscape.
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