Job and money deficits

 While it has been acknowledged many, many times in the past, that unemployment in the government has already reached beyond the point of serious concern; on the other hand and in sharp contrast, the figure of employment in the government has reached another super saturation point. Employment in the government was recorded at 1,10,000 in 2008-10, then rose to 1,25,000 by 2010-11. By 2012-13, it reached 1,30,000. According to the latest figure, there are 1,40,000 government employees under the government’s roll which is a little over 7.1 % of the state’s 19,80,602 population. Unemployment is a ticking time bomb that is going to explode in the next ten to fifteen years given the fact that growth of unemployment defies every possible solution as the problem has an insurmountable task. As per official sources, in 2016, there were 70,422 unemployed youths registered with the Department of Labor & Employment. Then by last year,2018, the number should have risen further and should today be in the region of around at least nearly one lakh unemployed youths. The number of unemployed as per the 2016 register must be way below the actual number of unemployed youths. If the estimated numbers of students graduating annually is considered, there could be tens of thousands of job seekers added. The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2016-17, report released by Human Resource Development (HRD) revealed that there were 30,000 students for Under Graduate studies and around 1500 for Post Graduate studies. Out of the staggering number of students graduating each year, barely 2000 to 3000 may be getting some kind of jobs in both government and non-government sectors. The issue of concern is what happens to the remaining several thousands of graduates and a few thousand Post Graduates? These will add to the number of unemployed whose number will only grow exponentially every year. Statistically, some 4,40,306 students were enrolled in 2835 schools in the state. After some years, at least 60% to 70% of them will graduate from colleges. That figure (60% to 70%) could mean an approximate number of around 30,000 graduates seeking non existent jobs. On the other hand, there is hardly even 10% jobs available which would meet the aspirations of so many unemployed graduates. The state government’s attempt to solve the issue is like trying to fight a raging fire with a cup of water. Instead, the government has contributed immensely to the oversaturation through backdoor appointments and leaving thousand of unemployed youths frustrated. To add salt to injury, as per the definition of the 13th Finance Commission and based on its well defined parameters, the state has an excess of over 70,000 government employees. The figure of ‘excess’ employment is based on the recommendation of the 13th Finance Commission that the salary component ought to be well within 35% of the budget. However, the budget deficits, repayment and interests on loans is also add more problems in the pursuit for all round growth. Austerity measures and pruning redundant work force is called for but the government has no will to do the necessary. Unless this is done, the biggest drain on a budget which, anyway is about running a bloated workforce will ensure that maintaining the inefficient workforce will continue to be very expensive.