GUWAHATI, February 21, 2024 : Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi alleges a drastic increase in unemployment rates during BJP’s Amrit Kaal, citing the Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24.
In a press conference held at the Assam Legislative Assembly on February 21, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi expressed deep concern over the surge in unemployment rates in the state during the BJP-led government’s Amrit Kaal. Referring to the recently released Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24, Gogoi claimed that the unemployment numbers have witnessed a significant rise, painting a grim picture for the youth in the state.
According to Gogoi, the Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24 indicates that the unemployment numbers in 2022 reached a staggering 32,35,000, compared to 22,00,125 in 2021. This alarming increase of over 10 lakh unemployed individuals raises questions about the economic policies and strategies implemented during the BJP’s tenure in Assam.
Gogoi traced the roots of the unemployment crisis back to 2016 when the BJP government assumed power, highlighting that the unemployment figures at that time stood at 20 lakh. He argued that the current administration has failed to address the issue adequately, leading to a substantial increase in the number of jobless individuals over the years.
During the press conference, Gogoi also acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment, stating that many people, both employed and unemployed, entered Assam during the pandemic. He suggested that a portion of this migrant population might not have returned to their workplaces, contributing to the rising unemployment numbers.
The Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24 further revealed a noteworthy trend in the increase of educated job seekers, posing a significant challenge for the state’s economy. The live employment exchange register documented a 3.36% rise in the number of registered educated job seekers, from 17,46,671 in 2020 to 18,05,441 in 2021.
The concern over unemployment continued into 2022, with the number of registered educated job seekers further spiking to 9,83,093 compared to 1,37,865 in 2021. This surge across all education levels underscores the challenges faced by the state in providing gainful employment opportunities for its educated workforce.
As Assam grapples with the economic fallout of the pandemic and a widening job crisis, Akhil Gogoi’s revelations bring the issue of unemployment to the forefront, urging the government to take immediate and effective measures to address this pressing concern. The impact of these rising unemployment figures on the state’s youth and its economy remains a topic of great concern and debate.
