Kathmandu— Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, launched a blistering attack against the central government on Saturday during a massive student gathering in Prayagraj, alleging that the country's unemployment crisis has reached critical levels. Addressing the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' event, the Congress MP claimed that out of every 1,000 young people, only 12 manage to secure a permanent job, highlighting a systemic failure across multiple sectors of the Indian economy.

Collapse of Employment Avenues

Gandhi argued that the primary pathways to stable employment have been systematically destroyed. He pointed to the manufacturing sector, noting that while global markets see products labeled 'Made in China' or 'Made in Vietnam,' the 'Made in India' label is increasingly absent. He attributed this decline to demonetization and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he claimed finished off small businesses and vital industries such as leather, textiles, and automobiles.

He further criticized the 'Startup India' initiative, stating that the door to entrepreneurship is effectively closed for the average student. According to Gandhi, 90% of small and medium industries fail to secure bank loans, leaving students without the financial support necessary to launch businesses.

Systemic Failures and Privatization

The Congress leader also highlighted corruption and inefficiency within government recruitment processes, citing frequent paper leaks. He noted that in the competitive landscape for government positions, only one out of every 150 youths successfully secures a role.

Gandhi lamented the rapid privatization of the public sector, observing that the sector once provided employment to 1.4 million youths a decade ago. He claimed that public schools and hospitals have been closed and that 'Navratnas' and companies like BSNL have been sold off.

The Digital Economy and AI Risks

Addressing the role of technology, Gandhi warned that the youth are being manipulated by digital platforms into social media addiction. He argued that while users generate vast amounts of data for corporations like Google, Facebook, and Adani, they are left with precarious work in the gig economy, such as roles with Uber or Blinkit.

He also expressed concern regarding the future of corporate employment in IT and software sectors, suggesting that artificial intelligence is increasingly threatening these traditional roles by using personal data to displace human workers.

Gandhi concluded his address by calling for a struggle rooted in truth and non-violence, pledging to continue standing with the youth in their fight for their rights.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.