Round The States

New Delhi, 28 October 2023

EC Directive To Centre

BAN YATRA IN POLL STATES

By Insaf 

Three cheers to the Election Commission. It has acted promptly and decisively on the complaint about “gross misuse of government machinery”, at the Centre. On Thursday last, it wrote to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba not to hold its proposed nation-wide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ from November 20 to highlight Modi-led government’s “achievements” in the five poll-bound states and in a bypoll constituency in Nagaland. Congress President Kharge and a retired IAS officer had written to the EC about a letter circulated on October 18 to all Ministries about the yatra and asking them to appoint senior officials as “district rath prabharis.” The fact that ‘only achievements of last 9 years are being considered, gives away the fact this is a transparently political order in the run-up to the 5-state elections and 2024 general elections,’ wrote Kharge, adding “It’s a clear violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which directs that no government servant shall take part in any political activity.” Nirvachan Sadan responded saying on October 9 Assembly polls in the 5 States were announced and the Model Code of Conduct had come into force and under no circumstances the aforesaid activities be undertaken till December 5, day of counting. The government has clarified that the yatra will not make a stop in any poll-bound States. However, a vigil is critical.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

ED Raids In Rajasthan

The ED has got into top gear in poll-bound Rajasthan, threatening to severely hit ruling Congress’ campaigning. On Thursday last, it raided premises of state party president Govind Singh Dotasra and former education minister in Jaipur and Sikar as part of a money laundering probe into alleged exam paper leak case and summoned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Vaibhav son in a FEMA case in Delhi. Investigating agencies, said party President Kharge have become the real 'panna pramukh (party workers)’ of BJP. After Chhattisgarh, ED has also entered the poll campaign in Rajasthan.’ Aptly put, with Gehlot chipping in urging voters to give a befitting reply as the raids come days after he announced guarantees for women. Besides Dotasra, whois contesting from Lacchmangarh seat of Sikar, independent MLA Om Prakash Hudla is under the scanner. Should raids be put on hold once the polls are announced, needs to be considered. Importantly, should Election Commission intervene, as Gehlot demands, for on the face of it summoning, arresting or raiding leaders of Opposition parties muddies the level-playing field.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

WB ‘Witch Hunt’

ED action against ministers in West Bengal has Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee frowning. “If they conduct raids at the residences of all the leaders, then what is left of the government?” she said, perhaps in jest, but reason to worry. On Thursday last, the ED arrested forest minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in connection with an alleged case of corruption in rationing distribution, when he was minister of food and supply. The arrest followed searches at his home in Salt Lake, Kolkata and he declared himself to be a “victim of a grave conspiracy”. His leader said the raids went ahead even though ‘there was no proof of wrongdoing’. Recall last year minister of education Partha Chatterjee and his assistant were arrested in a teacher recruitment scandal; Anubrata Mondal, Mamata’s close aide and Birbhum leader was detained viz livestock smuggling case; and TMC general secretary and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been frequently questioned over corruption charges. At a press conference didi said TMC leaders and ministers were being harassed just after Durga Puja, and “Is this the way the country will be run? How many more will you send to jail? Send everyone to jail, even then, you will not get votes.” While she may be right, she needs to set her house in order, sooner than later.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

Mizoram Rebuff

BJP should have little hope in Mizoram. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has made it amply clear that he shall not share the stage with Prime Minister Modi when he comes to campaign in the State, around month-end. “The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party,” Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview on Monday last. His advice: it will be better if the PM comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself.” Interestingly, while his MNF is a part of BJP-led NE Democratic Alliance and an ally of NDA at the Centre, the party doesn’t work with the BJP. He explains this is because MNF is totally against the Congress and doesn’t want to be part of any alliance led by it. Indeed, BJP has totally failed in Manipur and with thousands of refugees coming to Mizoram, the MNF has to look after its vote bank. Zoramthanga insists that it is the responsibility of the Centre to restore peace in Manipur so that people can go back to their native state. Till then, his government is taking care of the relief camps with no aid from New Delhi. Perhaps, the BJP and Modi may do well if there is a change in strategy. For if it makes no inroads into Mizoram, it could have an impact on other States. Better to be safe than sorry! 

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

TN Face-off Gets Worse

The DMK government-Governor face-off gets nastier. With a Molotov cocktail, (petrol bomb) lobbed by a man, out on bail, in front of Raj Bhavan’s main gate in Chennai on Wednesday last has the Governor’s office seeing red. It alleged there have been incidents of public threats to Governor Ravi’s life but a “studied indifference” by state police to the matter has vitiated his security.” In a complaint to Chennai Police Commissioner, it also alleged verbal attacks and threats were “mostly by leaders and workers of DMK and its allies in their public meetings and through their social media.” And these, are “intended to overawe the Governor and restrain him in discharging his Constitutional duties. However, complaints lodged with the police have been inconsequential due to police inaction.” No FIR has been lodged with the police “instead trivialised serious incidents into minor offences with no worthwhile follow-up.” The Opposition parties too condemned the ‘attack’ and criticised Stalin government over ‘deterioration’ of law and order. Guess, there’s more than meets the eye. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Round The States

New Delhi, 28 October 2023

EC Directive To Centre

BAN YATRA IN POLL STATES

By Insaf 

Three cheers to the Election Commission. It has acted promptly and decisively on the complaint about “gross misuse of government machinery”, at the Centre. On Thursday last, it wrote to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba not to hold its proposed nation-wide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ from November 20 to highlight Modi-led government’s “achievements” in the five poll-bound states and in a bypoll constituency in Nagaland. Congress President Kharge and a retired IAS officer had written to the EC about a letter circulated on October 18 to all Ministries about the yatra and asking them to appoint senior officials as “district rath prabharis.” The fact that ‘only achievements of last 9 years are being considered, gives away the fact this is a transparently political order in the run-up to the 5-state elections and 2024 general elections,’ wrote Kharge, adding “It’s a clear violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which directs that no government servant shall take part in any political activity.” Nirvachan Sadan responded saying on October 9 Assembly polls in the 5 States were announced and the Model Code of Conduct had come into force and under no circumstances the aforesaid activities be undertaken till December 5, day of counting. The government has clarified that the yatra will not make a stop in any poll-bound States. However, a vigil is critical.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

ED Raids In Rajasthan

The ED has got into top gear in poll-bound Rajasthan, threatening to severely hit ruling Congress’ campaigning. On Thursday last, it raided premises of state party president Govind Singh Dotasra and former education minister in Jaipur and Sikar as part of a money laundering probe into alleged exam paper leak case and summoned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Vaibhav son in a FEMA case in Delhi. Investigating agencies, said party President Kharge have become the real 'panna pramukh (party workers)’ of BJP. After Chhattisgarh, ED has also entered the poll campaign in Rajasthan.’ Aptly put, with Gehlot chipping in urging voters to give a befitting reply as the raids come days after he announced guarantees for women. Besides Dotasra, whois contesting from Lacchmangarh seat of Sikar, independent MLA Om Prakash Hudla is under the scanner. Should raids be put on hold once the polls are announced, needs to be considered. Importantly, should Election Commission intervene, as Gehlot demands, for on the face of it summoning, arresting or raiding leaders of Opposition parties muddies the level-playing field.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

WB ‘Witch Hunt’

ED action against ministers in West Bengal has Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee frowning. “If they conduct raids at the residences of all the leaders, then what is left of the government?” she said, perhaps in jest, but reason to worry. On Thursday last, the ED arrested forest minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in connection with an alleged case of corruption in rationing distribution, when he was minister of food and supply. The arrest followed searches at his home in Salt Lake, Kolkata and he declared himself to be a “victim of a grave conspiracy”. His leader said the raids went ahead even though ‘there was no proof of wrongdoing’. Recall last year minister of education Partha Chatterjee and his assistant were arrested in a teacher recruitment scandal; Anubrata Mondal, Mamata’s close aide and Birbhum leader was detained viz livestock smuggling case; and TMC general secretary and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been frequently questioned over corruption charges. At a press conference didi said TMC leaders and ministers were being harassed just after Durga Puja, and “Is this the way the country will be run? How many more will you send to jail? Send everyone to jail, even then, you will not get votes.” While she may be right, she needs to set her house in order, sooner than later.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

Mizoram Rebuff

BJP should have little hope in Mizoram. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has made it amply clear that he shall not share the stage with Prime Minister Modi when he comes to campaign in the State, around month-end. “The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party,” Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview on Monday last. His advice: it will be better if the PM comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself.” Interestingly, while his MNF is a part of BJP-led NE Democratic Alliance and an ally of NDA at the Centre, the party doesn’t work with the BJP. He explains this is because MNF is totally against the Congress and doesn’t want to be part of any alliance led by it. Indeed, BJP has totally failed in Manipur and with thousands of refugees coming to Mizoram, the MNF has to look after its vote bank. Zoramthanga insists that it is the responsibility of the Centre to restore peace in Manipur so that people can go back to their native state. Till then, his government is taking care of the relief camps with no aid from New Delhi. Perhaps, the BJP and Modi may do well if there is a change in strategy. For if it makes no inroads into Mizoram, it could have an impact on other States. Better to be safe than sorry! 

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

TN Face-off Gets Worse

The DMK government-Governor face-off gets nastier. With a Molotov cocktail, (petrol bomb) lobbed by a man, out on bail, in front of Raj Bhavan’s main gate in Chennai on Wednesday last has the Governor’s office seeing red. It alleged there have been incidents of public threats to Governor Ravi’s life but a “studied indifference” by state police to the matter has vitiated his security.” In a complaint to Chennai Police Commissioner, it also alleged verbal attacks and threats were “mostly by leaders and workers of DMK and its allies in their public meetings and through their social media.” And these, are “intended to overawe the Governor and restrain him in discharging his Constitutional duties. However, complaints lodged with the police have been inconsequential due to police inaction.” No FIR has been lodged with the police “instead trivialised serious incidents into minor offences with no worthwhile follow-up.” The Opposition parties too condemned the ‘attack’ and criticised Stalin government over ‘deterioration’ of law and order. Guess, there’s more than meets the eye. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

REWIND

New Delhi, 26 October 2023

The People’s Right To Information

By Inder Jit

(Released on 7 August 1984)­­­

Ignorance continues to abound in regard to Parliament, its constitution, practices, procedures and privileges. Thirty-four years as a sovereign democratic Republic seem to have failed to inform and educate our leaders and public adequately. Even members of Parliament have of late spoken in astonishing terms. Not a few inside Parliament and outside have described the current session of the Lok Sabha as “the last session of Parliament.” True, the present Lok Sabha is now approaching the close of its five-year term meet for its winter session in November. (Contrary to reports, no firm decision has yet been taken about the date of the next general election. Mrs Gandhi, it appears, prefers to play it by the ear.) But the Lok Sabha is not Parliament, notwithstanding the fact that it is directly elected. Parliament is also not the two Houses -- the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Parliament, according to the Constitution, consists of three elements: the President, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. No single entity, by itself, is Parliament. 

Equally, the basic concept of a parliamentary form of Government is still not understood, even among our parliamentarians. The system provides for an orderly form of government by discussion and debate. As Leo Amery wrote in Thoughts on the Constitution, “the main task of Parliament is still what it was when first summoned, not to legislate or govern but to secure full discussion and ventilation of all matters.” Parliament is essentially a critical forum or, as described by Lloyd George, “the sounding board of the nation” which derives its influence from its ability to speak to and to speak for the people. Yet, thanks to an unfortunate failure of leadership on both sides of the two Houses --- the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - parliamentary form of Government in India is fast becoming a Government not by debate and discussion in the true sense of the term but a Government by speeches or, more appropriately, a government by “bhashans”. There is less and less of orderly give and take. Even accepted norms of conduct and parliamentary niceties patiently sought to be promoted by Nehru -- have fallen by the wayside. 

Most discussions in the Lok Sabha and with speeches from the two sides with little of the cut and thrust of a vigorous debate, except on rare occasions. Nehru graciously yielded whenever any Opposition member sought to interrupt him in the course of his reply to a debate to elicit a clarification or information. No MP of the ruling party was permitted, much less encouraged, by Nehru, who spent long hours in the House, to heckle or shout down Opposition members. Nothing of the kind happens any more, especially where the Prime Minister is concerned. Mrs Gandhi appears less and less inclined to be interrupted to offer explanations or clarifications as at her Press conferences. (Remember, Mrs Gandhi, at her Press conferences, allows one question one person to give an opportunity to the largest number of newsmen. This procedure, however, bars alert and probing newsmen from following up with searching supplementaries.) The “halla” (shouting) groups Congress-I members make things easier for Mrs Gandhi, even before she has time to say “no”.

Parliament and through it the country stand to gain in any give and take in a debate. The MPs themselves benefit, as in the recent stage case involving Prof Madhu Dandwate and Mr Rajiv Gandhi at one stage and Mr Indrajit Gupta and Mr Rajiv Gandhi at another in the Lok Sabha discussion on Punjab. Both Prof Dandwate and Mr Gupta gracefully yielded to Mr Rajiv Gandhi when the latter sought an opportunity to clarify that he had never described Bhindranwale as a religious leader and had, in fact, strongly criticised him. Dandwate and Mr Gupta added to their parliamentary stature by upholding the best parliamentary norm and yielding to Mr Gandhi. And Rajiv Gandhi, for his part, not only set the record straight but impressed one and all with his unsuspected ability to cross swords with seasoned parliamentarians tactfully ---reminding many Parliament watchers of his father, the late Feroze Gandhi, one of free India’s most effective parliamentarians. Interestingly, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who has a rich voice like his father’s, sits close to where Feroze Gandhi adorned the non-official benches. 

Alas, the Opposition is even more at fault. It often fails to play its role and, in the bargain, makes things easier for the Treasury benches. Nothing illustrates this more than the debate on the scandalous and painful happenings in Kashmir. Both Mr George Fernandez, Janata, and Mr Ram Jethmalani, Bharatiya Janata Party, made powerful speeches and blasted both the Centre and the Governor for the havoc played in Srinagar. Unfortunately, however, both were missing when the new Home Minister, Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao, wound up the discussion even if he did so late in the evening in a debate which seemed to go on interminably. With what result? Mr Narasimha Rao was able to get away with blue murder on some basic issues through a slick impressive presentation. In fact, Mr Narasimha Rao was even able to say that the Opposition had little interest in principles. Said he: “Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Congress- I Chief Minister in Sikkim, was dismissed. But he went unwept and unhonoured”. None from the Opposition challenged his tongue-in-the-cheek statement. 

That, however, is only one bit. The Opposition has been behaving astonishingly even otherwise against its own interest. It has, at least, twice in the current session demanded suspension of the Question Hour. Mercifully, the Speaker, Mr Bal Ram Jakhar, overruled the demand. Clearly, the Opposition wanted to emphasize the importance it gave to the Kashmir developments in proposing a virtual adjournment motion on the opening day. But in doing so they allowed their better judgment to run away with their anger over the happenings --- and their desire to demonstrate their support for Dr Farooq Abdullah. The Question Hour is in many ways the most important hour for the Opposition and the back-benchers on both sides of the House and has even been described by some experts as the “sacred hour”. The Government under the Constitution, as we all know, is responsible to Parliament. The Question Hour translates this to reality in practice and ensures the Government’s accountability. It has also been described as the hyphen that links Parliament to the Government. 

Undoubtedly, the Question Hour is the most powerful instrument available to the Opposition and, indeed, to all private members belonging to the ruling party. It enshrines Parliament’s right to know and through it the people’s right to information. The Question Hour in its present form is unique and is practised at present only in Britain and India. It is a part of the daily sittings of the House. Yet it is set apart as an hour itself because Parliament’s first prerogative is to get information. It is held from 11 to 12 noon and precedes the “zero hour” -- or what is called the Public Business in Commons. Since the Question Hour entitles the private members to put questions on anything which comes within the framework of Government or national activities, the rules of the House ensure that the Government does not find an excuse to avoid questions or to conveniently slip out of the dock. The rules provide that there “shall’ be a Question Hour. In Britain, too, it comes right at the beginning. 

The Question Hour serves two other purposes. It provides back-benchers with an opportunity to probe the intelligence and honesty of senior Ministers, even the Prime Minister. It is an occasion which all members may enjoy and benefit from. There is likely to be something for everyone without having to listen to long speeches. It also needs to be remembered that a Minster personally handles very few of the day-to-day decisions which are taken by his civil servants in his name. These decisions are, of course, made in a way which the official thinks conforms to ministerial policy. A question about one of these decisions brings the case on to the Minister’s desk. The decision may have been taken at quite a low level in the department. It now is looked at by the senior members of the department -- the Secretary as well as the Minister. But the fact that the Minister has to give the answer in a full House and to be prepared for supplementaries helps in keeping him on his toes. 

The crucial importance of the right to information is not adequately appreciated. The right to information carries the right to question and, by implication, to control and direct. An interesting story comes to mind and deserves to be retold. Winston Churchill is said to have asked Lord Mountbatten only one question when the latter sought his advice about whether or not he should accept Governor-Generalship of India following independence: “Would you have the right to information?” When Mountbatten replied yes, Churchill said; “Fine. Go ahead.” India’s President enjoys the same right. Alas, however, it has seldom been exercised. Rajen Babu, India’s first President, is known to have exercised it. But he ceased to do so when he discovered that it was beginning to sour his relations with Nehru. Mr B.D. Jatti, as Acting President, exercised it in 1978 and created a sensation and a major problem for the Janata Government which then wanted him to sign an ordinance to dismiss nine State Governments. 

Parliament’s right to information has enabled members over the years to bring to light through questions some sensational scandals in Government’s functioning. Prominent among these have been the Jeep scandal, the Mundhra affair which led to the resignation of T.T. Krishnamachari as Finance Minister, the Serajuddin case which led to the exit of K.D. Malaviya from the Cabinet, the Tulmohan Ram affair and, lately, the Kuo oil deal. During the British regime, S. Satyamurthi of the Congress Party, for instance, became a terror through his probing questions. All in all, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha may not have the power to bend or break the Government, especially where it has a two-thirds majority. But it has the power to influence the Government by exposing its weaknesses and acts of omission and commission. This is vital if one remembers that the ultimate power in our democratic system rests with the people through the ballot box. Parliament has a key role. But this role needs to be fully grasped and exploited.---INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Open Forum

New Delhi, 25 October 2023

Providing Jobs

IS GOVT REALLY SERIOUS?

By Dhurjati Mukherjee 

It was indeed encouraging to hear that India’s impetus in the tech and digit manufacturing sector will create as many as 50 lakh jobs in the next three years. This was pointed out by Minister of State for IT and Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar, at the Right to Excellence Tech Summit 2023, held last month by The Times of India group. Dealing with the success of ‘Made in India’ programmes, he referred to the iPhone 15 unit and the Micron ground-breaking $2.8 billion semiconductor plant in Gujarat. 

“We are one of the fastest growing digital economies in the world and are encouraging companies to move supply chains to India,” he said and added the target is to hit $300 billion turnover in electronics by 2025.Companies such as Apple, Micron and others are looking for trustworthy partners and economies, he exuberated confidence. However, while it can’t be denied that the country has an edge in the tech sector, it is a fact that huge, automated plants cannot solve the problem of unemployment, as these are not in a position to provide jobs as per the increasing requirement. 

With State elections being announced and political parties announcing list of candidates, the Congress and members of INDIA bloc are focussing on unemployment in a big way. In fact, joblessness is a critical issue that continues to challenge the economic landscape of India. As one of the world’s most populous nations with a diverse workforce, fluctuations in the unemployment rate have far-reaching implications for the country’s growth and development. The question arises what is the current unemployment rate in India? Will the term ‘jobless growth’, which we have been hearing for quite a few years, continue and for how long? When will women become a significant part of the workforce? 

Though the latest data indicates a glimmer of hope, as India’s unemployment rate has recently declined. According to the National Sample Survey (NSSO), the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above in urban areas decreased to 6.8 percent during January-March 2023 from 8.2 percent a year ago, there is no need to be complacent. According to the recent Bloomberg report that references data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) for July, the overall unemployment rate in India was 7.95 percent as of July this year and has been calculated at 8.44 percent in August. Thus, all talk of the economy strengthening has not been reflected in the creation of jobs. 

This apart, the recent weather patterns across the country have brought about significant changes in economic conditions. Given that rainfall has covered large parts of India, impacting nearly half of the agricultural land, expectations of higher farm production have risen. It is expected that this development has the potential to contribute to the overall economic growth. However, despite the boost in the agricultural sector due to improved rains, there has been a notable drop in demand for labour from the non-agricultural sector in rural areas during July. 

As a result, the number of rural labourers seeking employment has decreased, leading to a decline in the rural employment rate. The labour force in rural India experienced a reduction of approximately five million individuals. This decline was also witnessed in urban areas, indicating a broader economic weakness that demands attention. These changing trends in labour demand and employment rates call for thoughtful policy measures to address the prevailing economic challenges and ensure sustainable growth both in rural and urban areas. 

According to a recent study by Azim Premji University’s State of Working India, employment related data show that the resilience of the job market, particularly for women and young graduates, has lagged compared to the growth of the overall economy. The unemployment rate in 2021-22 was just 6.6 percent, which was just two percentage points lower than the same in 2019-20. However, an analysis by the SWI report revealed a structural deterioration in the nature of women’s employment, which has largely been driven by self-employment, particularly in the category of unpaid work. 

Therefore, it may be concluded that the job market for women hasworsened, and this trend has continued till the end-2022. The monthly earnings are higher than both 2019-20 and 2020-21. But these earnings of Rs 12.089 in 2021-22 was lower by 2 percent than the same in 2017-18, the year the government began to present annual employment data. It is thus not surprising that political parties are rushing to tailor fiscal policies to provide monthly income support to women in different States. Experts are unanimous in stating that India’s transformation in the job market has lagged the growth in GDP.  

Though the thrust on manufacturing may yield dividends for the economy, job creation may be a far cry. There has to be some special effort to identify the labour-intensive sectors and give special benefits considering the number of labour/employees they recruit. In fact, there needs to be a comprehensive plan with incentives, and this must be formulated by the Centre and sent to all the States for implementation. 

The other important thing is the need to fill up vacancies of teachers in schools and colleges spread across the country. Most States are financially distressed and, as such, do not want to fill up the vacant posts. Not just in education and health, in others as well like municipalities, village health centres and hospitals and even panchayats, there are huge vacancies in most States. Providing them jobs would surely bring down the unemployment rate.   

Another important area is with regard to MGNREGS where funds provided are hardly capable of providing employment for 35 days or so with the current wage prevailing in the respective States. Most State governments pay less than the minimum wage rate and try to provide employment for 40-45 days whereas the scheme is destined to generate employment for 100 days a year. When governments can beautify cities, build huge convention centres, modernise airports, should not allocation for this programme be enhanced on a priority basis?   

There have also been suggestions by a large section of economists and developmental experts on starting an urban employment scheme to bridge the huge gap here. Such a scheme would augur well as those given say 50 or 60 days of assured employment could be gainfully used in various areas – be it in the municipalities, electricity boards or in government offices. Though the ruling dispensation is yet to react to this proposal, it is necessary that a concentrated effort be made to put pressure on the government. 

Providing employment to our increasing workforce is crucial for socio-economic and political stability. Unless the young generation is gainfully engaged, there would be repercussions that may destabilise the social order. This sadly may happen and worse the political leadership is taking advantage of it. With Opposition parties harping on joblessness and hollow promises of the BJP at Centre during the upcoming assembly polls, it would be worthwhile to see what priority is given to it by those who come to power. Enough of talk and little action. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)