Indian Youth Seek Job-Oriented Budget

Finding employment has emerged as a big concern for India's youth amid signs of an economic slowdown.

Since the unemployment rate in the country is 13%, the youth are keen to know how the Modi government will generate more jobs for them.

The younger generation wants a more youth-oriented budget that will help underprivileged students pursue higher studies. Young people also want access to cheaper electronic gadgets to make the government's Digital India initiative a success.

Almost 48 per cent Indian population is below the age of 29.

Ankit Gulati, 24, an MBA student, says the budget for him is only going to be more interesting if the placements in his university increase and students getting below average percentages are also given a chance to be interviewed for jobs.

MBBS student Shruti Rao, 27, says the budget would make sense only if the government uses its tax revenue to invest heavily in social infrastructure like healthcare. She believes that healthcare is improving but needs more technology development and investment in medical facilities.

Many students from lower middle class backgrounds pursuing engineering courses asked for a reduction in fees. Education is now getting more expensive apart from being highly competitive.

Many engineering graduates without connections to help them in finding good jobs end up doing underpaid marketing and sales jobs.

Ashish Gupta, aged 25, who has just completed his degree, said people are often offered jobs with low pay, which is not even enough for them to recover their education cost.

There is a unanimity on three issues: Education fees should be lowered, electronic gadgets should be available at cheaper prices and there should be more jobs.

The reason why employment has become such a big talk among the youth is because while the number of graduates are growing, job opportunities are shrinking.

Most respondents in a social media poll said more focus should be given to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in boosting job creation.

The government promises to increase funding for MSMEs and promote startups to eradicate unemployment.

Along with unemployment, the other big concern is about infrastructure development.

Given the plethora of approvals for boosting infrastructure projects, a single-window clearance is something that would propel the sector in the desired direction. This will also increase investors confidence.