It is appropriate on Labour Day to examine the various facets of employment availability in India, the challenges and opportunities. The subject can be split into rural, semi-urban, and urban sections of the economy. As the economy grows, it is not necessary that it does so evenly, providing opportunities for all sections equally. It is only natural for it to do so in spurts, often skewed in directions determined by changes in consumer behaviour, government policies, educational levels, etc. As such, there is a limit to how much can be anticipated and taken advantage of.
What helps in most situations is building a base by providing education and on the job training. While those in the rural areas are mostly involved in agricultural activities, there also has been a tendency to migrate to the cities for comparably higher wages. In this context, governments at the centre and the states have been working for long on expanding the agriculture sector in numerous ways so that there is no migration out of compulsion. At the same time, it is this section of migrants that provide labour for the construction activity that is on a high for a number of reasons – public infrastructure expansion and private housing. It is a fact that skilled artisans not only have the opportunity to learn on the job, but also earn good amounts of money that many send back to their villages for investments of various kinds. Cottage, small, medium and heavy industries also benefit from this pool. Traditional crafts are handed down from generation to generation, many of which are seeing a revival in demand owing to increased income levels among the consuming classes.
Those who can afford to obtain higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, have also seen a rise in opportunities, particularly owing to the demand internationally for this class of worker. This sector is presently witnessing some challenges but has the margins required to adjust. They need Indian universities and colleges to raise their standards and focus on research work to achieve the next level.
There are also the lower middle class youth in cities who have some education and are involved in low paying jobs, generally described as gig work. It helps them contribute to family incomes and get by. However, many of them have talent that goes beyond the nature of their jobs. While they too have the opportunity to learn business skills on the job, they require boosts such as improving specific skills, cheaper loans, and mentorship from those who have succeeded in the same field. If this sector receives greater focus, it will be the next productive dimension of the economy. As such, this section’s dreams and hopes should not be allowed to fade.
