Unemployment, inflation, and rising poverty should be the main issues in the election. Is the government ready to address the main issue of youth unemployment for the general election? The data on unethical labor migration has highlighted the severity of this problem, with a clear increase in the United States’ border and border security data. These migrants used the “donkey” migrant route immortalized by Shahrukh Khan’s film ‘Dilwale.’ Whether they are lured towards better wages in America, the push factor of increasing local job opportunities cannot be ignored.
Among unemployed youth, there is eagerness to face the main issue in active battlegrounds for employment. In December 2023, approximately 800 Indian youths went to Israel, and many others are waiting to go. They will replace the 80,000 Palestinian workers whose jobs ended after Hamas attacks.
There is no guarantee for these youths to return to India. Nivashini Pate Nibin from Kerala immigrated just two months after the missile attack on an Israeli farm. However, state governments like Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Mizoram are organizing recruitment campaigns for Israel.
Indian youths have also reported joining the international legion formed in 2022 to fight in Ukraine. About 100 specialists recruited as “Army Security Assistants” are forced to fight alongside Russian soldiers. One of them, Hyderabad’s Mohammad Afsaan, was killed in combat with Russian forces in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister himself distributing letters for government jobs suggests that the government is struggling to fulfill the promises of the “Golden Generation” and the “Golden Age.”
The anger among unemployed youth has manifested in protests against schemes like the Agniveer Yojana against armed forces and allegations of corruption in the Railway Recruitment Board’s RRB exams. Incidents like trespassing in the Parliament and protests against exam paper leaks highlight the potential for anarchic reactions due to delayed employment.
Focusing on first-time voters, especially the 18-19 age group, is crucial for the upcoming general elections. Parties aim to capitalize on youth support by focusing on issues such as unemployment, public service exams, gig economy social security, and skill development. However, emotional issues like the Ram Mandir could also have an impact on election results.
Nevertheless, the subject requires serious consideration and prompt resolution. – Veer