Do we study for a JOB ?
Education and Employability : A retrospection

Haorokcham Anil *

If we google what is education probably you will find the suggestion like education is to gain wisdom, knowledge and creativity for an individual, so do the higher education as nurturing higher order thinking and to develop competencies such as liberated learning, deep thinking, clear communications and focused resilience.

In order to achieve the above goals every Nation has invested much of their revenue on the education sector. Ministry of Education, GOI allocated Rs 1,12,899.47 crore for the financial year 2023-24, the highest allocation ever made in history. During this period, Manipur also spent 7.7% of its GSDP on the Education Sector which is highest in all States of India, even against the National spending of 2.6% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

There has been a difference of opinion between the schools of thought; one is in the line of “Education for Employment” while the other propagates education for uplifting for human quality not directly related with employment.

However, if we filter down to the context of Manipur, most of our youths undergoing Degree, Master or even PhD programmes are in line for getting jobs, especially Government ones, which is not a bad idea pertaining to the small size of the economy, low number of organised business activities and the slow rate of industrial growth in the past decades.

If we assume that the sole purpose of education is for getting jobs then let us also have an insight about the revenue expenses, literacy rate and the employment generated in the State and in the National context.

Manipur is characterised by a continuous high literacy rate amongst the States of India, based on Census reports and reports from many reputed independent agencies. Ironically, Manipur is also characterised by the continual high unemployment rate.

As per the 2011 Census, literacy rate of Manipur is 80.5% with almost 10% increase from the 2001 census which is at 70.5%. During this period, the unemployment rate of Manipur is also 7.1% (FY 2011-12), ranked 5th amongst the States of India on the basis of unemployment (Source, Ministry Labour and Employment, GOI).

Surprisingly, it is reported that the unemployment rate of youth of Manipur between the age group 15-29, for the period July 2023-June 2024 is registered at 22.9% which stands again at the 5th Position among the Indian States, source -National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, Government of India.

This may be partly due to the prevailing conflict situation in the State. To sum up the above facts and figures, there arises the need for retrospection on the concept “Education for Employment”, which need to be dissected and diagnosed properly.

The severe issue of unemployment is not only about Manipur but rather a common phenomenon at the National level nowadays. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), considered as the best academic institute for technical studies in India also face the same unemployment issue.

The Economic Times reported that over 7,000 IIT students remain unplaced at the end of the 2023-24 placement season, which is disheartening for all Indians. Moreover, only 51.25% of India's graduates are deemed employable, reported and placed at the Parliament in July 2022, Economic Survey 2023-24.

Some agencies also reported with even lower figure of 45% of Indian graduates readily employable. With these reports, we can literally understand the fact that half the Indian graduates are not directly employable in any trade and sector.

In Manipur there is an average annual accumulation of 16 to 17 thousand of graduates against the limited job creation by the private sectors and the almost stagnant Government job openings. It is reported that Government of Manipur has only about 1.4 lakh (approx.) sanctioned posts, which is a very pathetic situation for our educated youths looking for employment in the State. With this scenario, the most productive age group remains idle which may lead to indulgence in many unwanted activities.

Furthermore, it is common prevalence that even the graduates apply for jobs of Group D in public sector and low paid job profile in private sectors, that too by facing tough competitions. As an obligation for livelihoods, youths possessing Masters’ degree, MPhil or even PhD shifting to a completely different domain of work profile is evident these days.

Considering the above facts, there arise a series of questions as to why this is happening. Are we pursuing higher education just for certificate or social tag ? Is the standard of education completely compromised or not at par with the universities of other States and Nations ? Is there an acute skill mismatch between “What is required and What is being delivered” ? Or are we hiding the facts and realities or lying to our youths about the present job market while they are pursuing their higher education ?

We all know that economy is the backbone of any State or Nation and it is now a universal truth. Job creation or having jobs is a key factor in economic growth and well-being of a State. It is also a parameter to determine its destiny, for doing so our youths need to be skilled or well equipped for the requirements.

Many are of the opinion that the present system of education does not meet the industrial requirement nor for business organisations in spite of the talents possessed. The amount of time and money spent by the business houses for the obligatory training of the new recruits in any trade and sector accounts a lot towards negativity in economic growth.

Like many other, I am also of the opinion that the vocational education and skill development shall be prioritised amongst the youths and the workable age group. The possibility of getting employment of the youth having skill certificates of a specific Job Role with the NSQF aligned course (National Skill Qualification Framework) is much higher than any conventional graduates in any private sectors.

Owing to the facts and understanding the scenario, GOI has incorporated parameters aiming to improve student employability by modernizing the educational system and preparing students for the jobs of the future which is reflected in visionary National policy-NEP 2020. This could be implemented by emphasising vocational education, skill development, providing practical learning, fostering job seeking students to be job ready in the rapidly changing industry demands.

As an elder, it is our moral obligation and responsibility to educate our youths about the facts and realities of the present and future rather than pinning on false hope which leads to nowhere. I am writing this with an intent to discuss the facts and provide ample opportunity for improving employment,but not to demoralise any.