Imphal, March 23: Compared to nearly 80,000 persons holding Government or quasi-Govt jobs the number of educated youth in Manipur looking for gainful employment has crossed the four lakh mark.

According to Directorate of Employment source, educated unemployed youths who had registered at the Employment Exchange till January this year was 4,60,143 with female candidates accoun- ting for 1,18,121.Among the jobless youths Imphal West district tops the chart with 1,74,863 while Tamenglong district has the least among all districts with 12,795 youths having registered in the Exchange.

Qualification-wise, 1,63,930 belong to the under-matric category; 1,64,240 matriculates; 10+2 applicants numbering 68,143; graduates making up 43,604 of the grand total; 6703 having completed post-graduate; and 4689 diploma holders also joining the race for Govt/quasi-Govt services.

Significantly, inspite of the figure of jobless youths soaring to over the four lakhs mark, number of persons enrolled in Govt services exceeded figure of those seeking jobs during three specific years.

In 1987 the Employment Exchange recorded life registration of 2,66,694 candidates which descended to 2,49,074 and then to 2,48,437 in the next two years respectively.

Drastic reduction in the number of job seekers was recorded in 1990-91 period wherein out of 2,54,310 candidates getting registered in 1990 the figure in the following year is reported to have climbed down to only 1,83,495 thereby putting the reduction figure at 70,815.On the otherhand, figure of Government service holder till March last year is said to have reached 77,911 out of which 61,863 were enrolled by the State Govt compared to 4469 having entered various Central services.

Comparatively 3383 persons were employed in quasi-Govt jobs in the Central Govt and 4255 absorbed by the State while 3952 candidates are said to be serving in local bodies.

Comment