Job for all promise as number of unemployed rises
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 14, 2022 -
AT a juncture when formation of serpentine queues at employment exchange offices across the state is the common sight whenever the government issues notification for fresh recruitment or filling vacant posts and the number of employees in the private sector or self-employed far outnumbered the government employees in all departments combined, it is likely that many would take chief minister N Biren's assertion that the government is working towards providing direct or indirect job to at least one member of every family of the state with a pinch of salt.
To those who had already given up the hope of securing a government for varied reasons, the CM's statement obviously wouldn't be accorded much importance while for the lakhs of educated employed youth, who had been submitting relevant documents multiple times whenever the government initiated recruitment processes, the prospect for a decent livelihood under the patronage of the establishment would definitely be mouth-watering and wishing for fulfilment of their cherished dream sooner than later.
With the present government credibly successful in maintaining law and order, in-spite of the state yet to discard its insurgency-infested tag, there is every reason for the chief minister to believe that the problem of unemployment could be solved to a great extent for peace and socio-political stability are essential conditions for economic advancement in any the state.
As lack of employment opportunity, besides geo-political history, is often cited by socio-political commentators as the genesis of the insurgency movement in the state, translation of the CM's assurance into action will also help achieve the government's eagerness to resolve the insurgency problem.
However, for many it would be hard to believe that the government of Manipur could keep its word of ensuring direct or indirect decent source of livelihood to at-least one member in each family, especially at a time when all the infrastructure development projects and welfare schemes are being implemented with assistance of the central government.
For a state with population exceeding 30 lakh and the youth making up over half of the total population, resource-starved Manipur has been seriously struggling to cope with the issue of unemployment as is evident from lakhs of Manipuri youngsters leaving home and hearth to seek private jobs in the mainland states and many others either working as salespersons in commercial outlets of the twin capital districts or simply wandering directionless.
It's also an undeniable fact that joblessness is the primary factor for able-bodied youngsters indulging in vehicle theft, drug peddling and other socially abhorred activities. With non-locals arriving in droves, with or without complying with the ILP norms, there is clear evidence about growing competition for source of sustenance as the native youth are no match for migrant workers, who have come prepared to take up any odd jobs at even inferior payment, unlike the Manipuris who lack the skill for various professions but tend to underrate manual works.
Nevertheless, it would be presumptuous to belittle the CM's objective of creating employment opportunities for success in maintaining law and order would definitely impress potential investors to launch varied ventures in the state, which would eventually help minimise the number of impoverished families.
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