In West Bengal political parties are exploiting unemployed youth for political gain

By Harasankar Adhikari

Politics, joblessness, and neo-religiosity are increasingly impacting the real situation of educated unemployed youth across India. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35 and around 50% below the age of 25, India holds the world's largest youth demographic. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 data, the unemployment rate was 18.4% for those with secondary education or higher and a staggering 29.1% for graduates, while it was only 3.4% for illiterate individuals. Data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) in 2022 revealed that 34.5% of female graduates were unemployed compared to 26.4% of male graduates. It is deeply concerning that educated young women face the highest unemployment rates. Furthermore, these figures can vary significantly across Indian states due to social and religious barriers.

Despite their potential as key change agents within society, unemployed youth often find themselves exploited. In West Bengal, for example, many engage in social services (Samaj Seva). However, this engagement is rarely driven by genuine voluntary intent. It often falls within the realm of apolitical activity, serving as a means to curry favor with the ruling political party.

A majority of youth, regardless of their rural or urban background, social, economic, or religious affiliations, become involved with different political parties, particularly the party in power. They actively participate in social services and cultural programs organized or sponsored by their affiliated party, viewing these activities as a form of political engagement within local party branches (local clubs). This engagement is often perceived as a backdoor route to securing government jobs, particularly in teaching positions (primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools), clerical roles, and other government departments.

Securing a teaching position in government-aided or sponsored schools is currently considered one of the most secure and respected jobs for youth with degrees in general streams. The recruitment processes through the West Bengal Primary School Service Commission (for primary schools) and the West Bengal Central School Service Commission (secondary and higher secondary) have often been criticized for their lack of fairness and transparency. Moreover, the recruitment process for many government jobs has been plagued by prolonged court cases, creating uncertainty and frustration among job seekers.

To further complicate matters, the West Bengal Public Service Commission, responsible for overseeing recruitment for various government jobs, has been dissolved. This has shifted the responsibility of recruitment directly to the concerned government departments. Consequently, youth believe that their affiliation with political parties and their participation in social services will significantly influence their chances of securing a government job. This phenomenon is not new; it has been a common trend since the time of Left rule in the state. Job seekers often face pressure to pay substantial bribes to secure employment, a practice that is currently under investigation by central investigating agencies like the CBI and ED.

Different political parties exploit these unemployed youth for political gain. "Doing party" has become a common occupation for the youth of West Bengal. There is a significant lack of genuine effort and planning from any political party to address the issue of youth unemployment. As a result, these youth remain trapped in an illusion of opportunity.

While the Central Government of India has implemented several schemes like the National Youth Policy-2014, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Start-Up India Scheme, these initiatives have not effectively addressed the youth employment crisis as claimed. These schemes often appear to be superficial attempts to address the issue.

The frustration and disillusionment among unemployed youth can have serious consequences. They may become increasingly self-centered and arrogant towards the system, leading to deviant behavior, violence, and crime. The mishandling of this youth demographic poses a significant threat to the future of our national democracy and its governance.

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