In the shadow of India’s purported employment boom, a disheartening narrative unfolds, revealing the acute distress among the nation’s youth. Official pronouncements and certain analytical pieces assert a surge in job creation across various sectors. However, a deeper investigation exposes a grim reality overshadowed by statistical embellishments. The distressing increase in youth suicides linked to unemployment, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau, starkly contrasts the optimistic employment narratives often touted during election seasons. In 2018, the frequency of such tragedies was already alarming, with three unemployed youths taking their lives every two hours; by 2022, this had escalated to two per hour. These figures not only reflect the mental health crisis but also the dire economic conditions faced by young Indians. Further analysis reveals that a substantial portion of the so-called employment surge from 2017 to 2023 has been in agriculture—a sector known not for its robust wage structures but for its vulnerability to economic fluctuations and distress. The reversion to agricultural jobs, supposedly a sign of employment growth, in fact masks a regression in economic development and structural transformation. Historically, employment in agriculture, especially that marked by underemployment and low wages, is hardly indicative of true economic progress. Moreover, the claims of increased women’s employment during this period also warrant scrutiny. The narrative that improved access to resources has led to greater female workforce participation oversimplifies the complexities involved. Much of the so-called employment is in informal sectors, characterized by precarious job conditions and negligible financial security. This form of employment does not alleviate poverty; instead, it perpetuates the socio-economic disparities. The reality of India’s employment landscape is further dimmed by the stagnant wages across sectors. Despite government interventions like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which aimed to foster self-employment through microfinance, the effectiveness of such schemes is questionable. The predominance of small, often insufficient loans under this scheme, coupled with rising non-performing assets, points to a systemic issue of underemployment and inadequate economic opportunities. As India stands at a critical juncture, the need for a candid reassessment of its employment strategy is imperative. It is not enough to celebrate the numerical growth of jobs without evaluating their quality and sustainability. The government must pivot towards creating meaningful employment opportunities that offer stability, decent wages, and dignity to its citizens—truly reflecting a nation on the path to economic resilience and social equity.

By Vishal Parihar Sir

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