Congress leader Rahul Gandhi set off a debate yesterday, asserting that unemployment is far more severe in India than in other South Asian nations. In Gwalior, he passionately argued the need for solutions to the jobs crisis facing millions of youth.
Addressing a crowd mobilized by the Congress’s ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ Gandhi claimed India’s true joblessness figure is around 23% – double that of rival Pakistan. He said youth in Bangladesh and Bhutan face lower unemployment than young Indians, a consequence he tied to the Modi government’s policies.
In lively remarks, the opposition leader described the devastating economic impact of decisions like demonetization and GST rollout on small businesses.
He warned these have led to a “terrifying” absence of work not witnessed in four decades that is upending livelihoods. While acknowledging complex realities, Gandhi forcefully demanded answers for youth desperate for dignified work.
His words came amid the Congress’s grassroots march highlighting fractures disturbing Indian society and economy in recent years. Not surprisingly, Gandhi’s direct comparison to Pakistan riled the ruling BJP.
However, independent assessments reflect severe challenges, with estimates of Indian unemployment varying widely. The statistics also show youth joblessness remains a major issue even in countries like Bhutan.
As politicians spar over numbers, most agree the pressing priority is generating sufficient, quality jobs for the ballooning workforce. Whether through dialogue or action, finding workable solutions to this nationwide predicament could empower millions of promising lives.
