In a bid to corner the state government over the issue of unemployment, the Opposition Congress announced on Monday that it would begin registration of the jobless youth in the state to come out with the real picture.
Describing unemployment as a burning issue, state Congress president Amit Chavda said that an estimated 40 lakh youths in the state are unemployed.
"Some of the youths are registered as unemployed, but most are not. The number of jobless youths is on the rise as the government has been unable to create enough employment opportunities," Chavda claimed.
He said that the cost of education has gone through the roof due to the government's wrong policies, and lack of jobs is like a double whammy for youths. "Our workers will go to every village in the state and start registration of unemployed youths. This will be followed by a series of demonstrations and protests between August 25 and September 15. The protests will continue till youths have jobs," he said.
Gulab Singh Rajput, president of Gujarat Pradesh Youth Congress, demanded jobs for the unemployed and said that if the government is unable to do so, it should give unemployment allowance to youths.
"Rojgar Maro Adhikar (Employment My Right) will be our slogan," he added. As a part of the protest, the Congress also plans to organise Maha rallies in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
The state government had not yet responded to Congress's charge of 40 lakh youths being unemployed in the state. However, the state government had said in the assembly in February that 5.37 lakh youths were registered as unemployed with employment exchanges.
The issue had also come up before the elections with Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleging that 30 lakh youths in Gujarat were without jobs. Hitting back, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had accused Rahul of quoting false figures and said that number of registered unemployed youths was 5.75 lakh.
POLITICAL POLICY
- State Congress president Amit Chavda said that an estimated 40 lakh youths in the state are unemployed.
- Gulab Singh Rajput, president of Gujarat Pradesh Youth Congress, demanded jobs for the unemployed.
