BY THE WAY: Poverty and Unemployment – India’s Unseen Struggle
Only through coordinated efforts in education, employment, and ethical governance can India hope to overcome the silent crisis of poverty and unemployment. True development must be inclusive—ensuring that economic growth translates into improved lives for all sections of society.
Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer
India consistently remains one of the fastest economies in the world displacing Japan recently but the truth is that, poverty remains one of the most persistent socio-economic challenges facing India, despite the country’s remarkable progress since Independence. Although India has emerged as a major developing economy on the global stage, a significant section of its population continues to struggle for basic necessities. Poverty in India is not merely an economic issue; it is deeply intertwined with social, emotional, cultural, and political realities that shape everyday life.
This challenge is particularly evident in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite decades of developmental initiatives, poverty has not been eliminated from the region. Instead, it continues to act as the root cause of several interconnected problems. Among these, unemployment stands out as the most closely linked and damaging factor. Poverty and unemployment exist as twin crises, reinforcing each other and trapping individuals and families in a cycle of deprivation.
Across India, unemployment remains widespread, largely due to inadequate skill development and limited industrial expansion. This is not a problem unique to India alone; both developed and developing nations face employment challenges. However, the severity of the issue increases in regions where industrial growth is slow and opportunities remain scarce. In Jammu and Kashmir, industrial development has not progressed at the pace seen in other parts of the country, further deepening the employment crisis.
Towards the end of 20th century, an international labour expert warned that nearly 400 million new workers were expected to enter the global labour force within a decade, with bleak prospects for employment. This prediction has proven particularly relevant for India, and even more so for regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where job creation has failed to keep pace with population growth.
The widespread presence of poverty and unemployment across Jammu and Kashmir raises several critical questions. What exactly constitutes poverty? How extensive is it? What factors contribute to its persistence? How is it measured, and what social and economic consequences does it produce? Most importantly, what practical solutions can address this deep-rooted problem? Understanding these questions is essential to formulating effective responses.
One of the most significant contributors to poverty in India is overpopulation. The global population continues to grow rapidly, and countries such as India and China face immense pressure on resources, employment, and infrastructure. When population growth exceeds economic capacity, poverty becomes difficult to control.
These integrated efforts span employment guarantees, housing, food security, financial inclusion, and health and skill development, addressing multiple facets of poverty.
The causes of poverty are complex and multifaceted. On one level, poverty may arise from individual limitations such as illiteracy, lack of awareness, or absence of skills. These deficiencies are often manageable, yet they remain unaddressed due to negligence or lack of opportunity. In some cases, harmful social practices, extravagance, addiction, and unethical behaviour among sections of society—including political and administrative leadership—further worsen the situation.
At the structural level, India’s economy remains largely agrarian, with limited capital investment in modern industries. This imbalance restricts employment opportunities and leads to underemployment, particularly among rural populations. Without diversification into manufacturing and service sectors, sustainable economic growth remains difficult.
Unemployment, in simple terms, refers to a condition where individuals who are willing and capable of working are unable to find suitable employment. It represents a state of involuntary idleness and often reflects a mismatch between education and practical skills. Many unemployed individuals lack technical training and an understanding of labour demands, making them unfit for available jobs.
In some cases, unemployment is aggravated by social attitudes. Certain jobs are considered socially inferior, leading educated youth to reject available work. This reflects serious flaws in the education system, which prioritises degrees over dignity of labour and practical skill development.
In Jammu and Kashmir, unemployment has emerged as a particularly serious concern, sometimes pushing frustrated youth towards anti-social or extremist activities. Beyond being a social issue, unemployment also affects individuals at a psychological level. Prolonged joblessness erodes self-respect, creates frustration, and fosters a sense of hopelessness. Many fail to recognise the importance of informal education and skill-based learning in overcoming these challenges.
Addressing poverty and unemployment requires a comprehensive and long-term approach. Unchecked population growth must be controlled through awareness, education, and policy intervention. At the same time, economic development must focus on strengthening agriculture, promoting industries, and encouraging entrepreneurship—especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
Educational reforms are equally crucial. The focus must shift from purely formal education to skill-oriented and vocational training programmes such as ITIs and technical institutes. Practical training should not be limited to students alone; political and administrative leaders also require exposure to modern governance, ethical practices, and accountability. Education system needs to be overhauled and corrected so that our education resonates Ghandian concept of education. We should be looking at career-based education which guarantees us the job when we come out of the schools or universities. The schools should design a curriculum which is Skill based and allows u to find a job which can feed your family.
Institutions such as employment exchanges, guidance bureaus, libraries, and training centres can play a significant role in connecting youth with opportunities. Since Independence, India has witnessed an expansion of knowledge and resources. The challenge now lies in ensuring that these resources are used effectively to empower individuals, reduce inequality, and restore dignity to labour.
Only through coordinated efforts in education, employment, and ethical governance can India hope to overcome the silent crisis of poverty and unemployment. True development must be inclusive—ensuring that economic growth translates into improved lives for all sections of society.
(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE)
