The problem of unemployment is a serious problem in our country.
If millions of
people are without any jobs, its effect is very bad. A man without any employment
is a burden on others. If he has got to maintain a family, the situation is worse. Such
unemployed persons are reduced to poverty. It demoralizes them and they are
forced to do undesirable things. They may commit crimes. They may create trouble
and spread discontent. In fact, they are a source of danger to society and the state.
The causes of unemployment are mainly the rapid growth of population, the
prevailing system and underdevelopment of industry and trade. The population of
India is growing very rapidly. It is very difficult to get jobs for all who are in need of
it. The British Government had introduced a system of education in this country for
carrying on administration only. It is being continued in free India also with very
slight changes. The system of education prepares most young men to be clerks. But
neither the Government nor private firms can absorb all the educated unemployed
persons in their offices for clerical work. Industry and trade have not yet properly
developed.
Cottage industries in the villages have been ruined owing to the establishment of
large mills and factories in towns. Consequently, many artisans have been thrown
out of employment. There has been great pressure on agricultural land because of
the growth of population; consequently, many cultivators have got no land for
cultivation. All these are mainly responsible for this acute problem of
unemployment.
The acute problem of unemployment is a cause of unrest in the country. So the
Government is seriously thinking over the matter and trying to find out a remedy.
The remedy is to find work for the people. The Government had earlier undertaken
five-year plans for the material prosperity of the country. For carrying out these
plans many mills and factories had been set up both by the Government and by
industrialists. Many new offices had been started. Many educated young men were
absorbed in offices as clerks and in mills and factories as skilled workers.
Uneducated and unskilled men were being absorbed in mills and factories as
labourers. But these measures have been proved inadequate.
Our government is now encouraging the revival of cottage industries in the villages.
This will help many villagers to earn a living. Our Government is also trying to
develop agriculture. But as yet, it has not been able to cope with the situation fully.
The number of unemployed persons is increasing. So our Government should allow
establishment of a large number of large and small technical and vocational
institutions in the country. Only a limited number of bright young men should try to
get higher education in the universities. Most young men try to enter technical or
vocational institutions.
After coming out of these, they may find jobs in factories and commercial firms. For
this, of course, more factories must be set up throughout the country. Unskilled
labourers should be taught various traits in technical institutes. They may find jobs
in factories as skilled labourers. They may also set up cottage industries in their
villages. Government will have to help them with loans to start their work. It is
heartening to find that our Government has already taken some steps in this
direction. Nationalized banks are now giving lump sum loans to intending young
persons under self employment schemes.
