Assam‘s Youth Unemployment Crisis: A Critical Factor in the 2024 Election

DILIP DAIMARY

First-time Voters Seek Tangible Solutions

As the 2024 Lok-Sabha election started, Assam is bracing for a significant influx of first-time voters. These young, politically engaged individuals are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the state.

However, amidst the political rhetoric and campaign promises, one issue stands out as the primary concern for these first-time voters – unemployment.

Assam’s political landscape is evolving, with these new voters having a significant say in its direction. More politically engaged and aware than ever before, they are not mere observers but active participants in the political process.

Their perspectives and concerns, shaped by the unique socio-economic and cultural realities they have grown up in, are distinct. Amidst the heated campaign trails, one issue looms like a shadow over their excitement – unemployment, a lived reality they face every day.

Despite being well-educated and skilled, a significant number of Assam’s youth struggle to find suitable jobs due to the alarmingly high unemployment rate. This has led to a sense of disillusionment and frustration among them. They seek tangible solutions to the unemployment problem, wanting to see concrete plans and strategies that generate more job opportunities and ensure economic stability.

As the 2024 elections approach, political parties need to address this issue. Unemployment cannot be treated as a secondary concern; it needs to be at the forefront of election campaigns. After all, these first-time voters represent the state’s future, and their primary concern needs to be addressed earnestly.

Assam’s unemployment crisis is severe. Despite its rich natural resources and strategic location, Assam has been grappling with high unemployment rates for years. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2018-19 revealed Assam’s unemployment rate at 6.1%, higher than the national average of 5.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, resulting in thousands of job losses across sectors.

First-time voters, most of whom are in the age group of 18-23 years, are particularly affected by this crisis. Many of them are either on the brink of entering the job market or are already struggling to find employment. The lack of job opportunities, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, has led to a sense of disillusionment among these young voters.

A key electoral issue for first-time voters in Assam is unemployment. They seek concrete solutions and long-term strategies to address this issue, rather than short-term relief measures. This sentiment was echoed in a survey conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), where 47% of respondents from Assam identified unemployment as the most important issue facing the state.

An example of a failed promise is the Assam Job Guarantee Scheme, announced by the ruling party in its 2021 election manifesto. The scheme promised to provide 10 lakh jobs in the government sector and 25 lakh jobs in the private sector over five years. However, its slow implementation has led to skepticism among the voters.

As the 2024 elections draw nearer, unemployment is set to take center stage in Assam. First-time voters, forming a significant part of the electorate, are looking for tangible solutions to this crisis. Political parties need to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate a clear, actionable plan to address this issue.

The 2024 elections in Assam are not just about choosing a Union Government; they are about shaping the future of the state’s youth. The issue of unemployment, which is the main concern for first-time voters, needs to be addressed with urgency and seriousness.

The political parties that can provide credible solutions to this crisis are likely to find favor with these young, discerning voters. The stakes are high, and the outcome of these elections could set the course for Assam’s socio-economic development in the years to come.

23-04-2024

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