Youth Frustrated by Lack of Jobs
Despite rapid infrastructure growth in and around Dibrugarh, Assam, many young residents are voicing their frustration over the lack of job opportunities. They claim that most jobs and contracts are going to outsiders, leaving locals struggling to make ends meet.
Minral Hazarika, a 30-year-old resident, highlights the challenges faced by locals who rely on driving to support their families. He expresses discontent with the administration's imposition of fines for transporting tourists in personal vehicles, allowing only commercial vehicles registered with the airport taxi counter.
"How can we afford to pay Rs 50,000 in commercial tax every year when we don't even earn that much?" asks Nobin Hazarika, another protester. He points out that Dibrugarh receives only 8 flights, yet over 100 people depend on them for income.
The latest Economic Survey of Assam reveals a significant increase in the number of fresh educated youths registering with employment exchanges. In 2022, nearly 1 million individuals registered, compared to just 140,000 the previous year. Additionally, data from the Assam Employment Exchange Portal indicates that 2.2 million unemployed youth are currently registered.
While the unemployment rate in Assam is lower than the national average, the quality of employment is subpar. The majority of individuals in the state are self-employed, which encompasses unpaid household work or operating small businesses.
Trinayan, a housekeeping staff member on the Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express, earning Rs 450 per day, sheds light on the grim reality faced by many in Assam. He highlights the desperate lengths individuals are willing to go to in order to provide for their families.
Anamika, a 23-year-old visitor, asserts that migration appears to be the only viable option for many locals. She claims that people from Dibrugarh are migrating to Guwahati, and those from Guwahati are moving to other parts of the country in pursuit of better education and job prospects.
Despite government efforts in infrastructure development, there is a notable absence of significant industrial investment in the state. Residents claim that infrastructure is not the only thing that will guarantee their votes in the upcoming election. Jobs are also important.
"We appreciate the progress in infrastructure, but our votes will only be guaranteed with a commitment to providing jobs," says Jogesh Gohain, a 35-year-old daily wage worker in Dibrugarh.
As the residents of Dibrugarh gear up to vote, they plan to amplify their voices on overlooked issues. They hope that the upcoming election will bring about a change that addresses the lack of job opportunities and improves the lives of the local youth.