Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has addressed the pressing issue of unemployment and wage stagnation in India, presenting a detailed analysis of the current economic landscape and unveiling Congress proposed solutions to rejuvenate the workforce. The Bahutva Karnataka report serves as a backdrop, shedding light on the challenges faced by both men and women in securing stable employment.The Unemployment CrisisAccording to the Bahutva Karnataka report, formal employment opportunities, offering social security benefits, have remained stagnant at below 25% between 2011-12 and 2022-23. Conversely, the prevalence of self-employment, often associated with low wages and productivity, has surged, particularly among women. Additionally, wage earnings for casual labourers and salaried workers have seen a nominal increase, failing to keep pace with rising living costs.#YuvaNYAY1. #BhartiBharosa : 30 lakh new central government jobs, according to a jobs calendar2. #PehliNaukriPakki : One year apprenticeship for all educated youth, at Rs. 1 lakh/year (Rs. 8,500/month)3. Paper Leak se Mukti: Law to completely end all paper leaks… pic.twitter.com/Pc4OvYgFdG— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 18, 2024Congress Guarantees to Combat UnemploymentIn response to the crisis, Congress has developed a comprehensive set of guarantees, collectively known as the #PaanchNYAPacheesGuarantee, to address the multifaceted challenges of unemployment and wage stagnation. These guarantees aim to empower various segments of society, including youth, women, farmers, labourers, and marginalized communities, by providing them with tangible support and opportunities for economic advancement.Youth EmpowermentUnder the #YuvaNYAY initiative, Congress pledges to create 30 lakh new central government jobs through a transparent recruitment process. Additionally, the #PehliNaukriPakki guarantee ensures a year-long paid apprenticeship for all educated youth, fostering skill development and enhancing employability.Womens WelfareThe #NaariNYAY initiative focuses on empowering women economically and socially. Through measures such as the Mahalakshmi scheme, Congress promises to provide financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh per year to one woman in every poor family. Furthermore, initiatives like Aadhi Aabaadi, Poora Haq advocate for 50% reservation for women in new central government jobs.Agricultural ReformsTo alleviate the plight of farmers, Congress proposes the #KisaanNYAY initiative, which includes measures such as ensuring a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) at Swaminathan formula rates and establishing a Standing Loan Waiver Commission. Additionally, the #GSTmuktKheti guarantee aims to exempt agricultural inputs from GST, easing the financial burden on farmers.Labour Rights and Social SecurityRecognizing the importance of labour rights and social security, Congress introduces the #ShramikNYAY initiative, which promises a national minimum wage of Rs. 400 per day for all workers, including those under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Furthermore, the initiative advocates for the implementation of a Right to Health law and employment guarantee act for urban areas.Inclusive GovernanceUnder the #HissedariNYAY initiative, Congress commits to promoting inclusivity and social justice through measures such as conducting a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census (#GintiKaro) and removing the 50% cap on reservations for SC/ST/OBC communities. Additionally, Congress vows to expedite the settlement of Forest Rights Act claims and designate all habitations with a predominant ST population as Scheduled Areas.Jairam Rameshs announcement underscores Congress commitment to addressing the systemic challenges of unemployment and wage stagnation through a holistic approach that prioritizes economic empowerment, social justice, and inclusive governance. The Paanch NYAY Pachees Guarantee represents a bold vision for a more equitable and prosperous India, promising transformative change for all sections of society.
