This Article is From Jul 17, 2014

On World Population Day, Patna's Youth Look Towards Unkept Promises

On World Population Day, Patna's Youth Look Towards Unkept Promises
Patna: On the occasion of World Population Day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today launched a youth portal that carries some figures of India's census. According to the portal, India's youth between the ages of 10 and 24 is almost 30 per cent of the country's overall population and equal to the combined population of 18 European countries.

However, the 2011 census figures show a downward trend in work participation among the youth, down from 22.4 per cent in 2001 to 14.9 per cent currently.

A conversation or two with youngsters in Patna depict a dismal picture.

For 22-year-old Gautam Kumar, India's young landscape has not meant a more vibrant and employable environment. Gautam, a first class political science graduate, has spent the last year looking for jobs, including one with the Bihar Police. However, vacancies have been few and far between. For Gautam, a job is important as he has a family to support.

"I will look for another year. If I don't get anything good, I will take whatever I get. I just don't think the opportunities are enough. The government seems to be stuck in the 90's," said Gautam.

Giving Gautam company is 31-year-old Kunal Mitra who is looking for the job of an art teacher with the Bihar government. Even though he gave an exam last year, the results have not been declared as no new seats have been created.

"Only I know how much I have struggled. You see, when you don't have a job, when you don't do well, the society runs you down," said Kunal.

In his maiden budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said his focus would be on creating employment opportunities in every sector. It's a promise that Patna's youth hope will be kept.
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