Youth unemployment is a problem that needs to be tackled. As per this TOI article[1], at least 3 Crores young Indians do not have jobs. Considering India is a developing country, there should not be such a scarcity of work. One reason why this could be happening is that we have a large number of graduates seeking white-collared jobs which they consider as respectable. However, a number of such opportunities available do not meet the demand. The AISHE report “HIGHER EDUCATION STATISTICS AT A GLANCE”[2] shows that around 66 lakhs students had enrolled in Universities in 2017-2018. As we all know, unemployment leads to poor economic conditions and sometimes also leads people to resort to crimes.

While the government cannot create the requisite number of white-collared jobs, we all know that there is a large number of small infrastructure/development related issues that need attention like potholes, damaged roads/footpaths, open drainages, traffic congestion, waste management, water logging, etc. [3-7] Many a time, the government lacks the required manpower to fix all the problems. The effort needed to fix these issues can be converted into job opportunities that can be taken by the unemployed youth. One example is the waste accumulation problem that occurred in the Mumbai beach. This was taken up as a voluntary cleaning activity by the people. However, instead of counting on volunteers to take up these initiatives, if the government/companies can project these problems as money-earning opportunities to the unemployed youth, it will be a win-win situation.  There are also other types of problems like pavement fixing that do not require a lot of coordination, effort or skill. It can be taken up 1-2 people and fixed quickly.

I propose that the government should create a platform where people, government and companies can post the problems that they would like to be fixed. Here, youth can form small groups, come up with projects and propose solutions. The authorities can choose the best solution and quickly disburse funds for the same. While this platform creates job opportunities and fixes some developmental issues, it also helps the youth develop their skills and confidence.

I sincerely believe that this platform will open up people’s minds to accept any kind of work as respectful as long as it benefits society or the environment. While this is the starting point, it would be great to have suggestions/discussions on various aspects of this platform. I would love to hear from you.

Please sign and share my petition.

References

1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/unemployment-rate-in-india-nearly-31-million-indians-are-jobless/articleshow/63182015.cms
2. http://aishe.nic.in/aishe/reports
3. https://www.quora.com/India-What-are-the-40-major-problems-India-is-facing-today-and-why
4. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-problems-that-India-is-facing
5. https://sites.ndtv.com/roadsafety/important-feature-to-you-in-your-car-5/
6. https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/top-10-things-know-indias-waste-management-woes-6374/
7. https://www.all-about-india.com/Environmental-issues-in-India.html