Impact of Indian Elections on Student Employment

Elections in India have a significant influence on student employment. With the nation's youth comprising a large portion of the electorate, their career prospects often become a central issue during elections. Government policies shaped by election outcomes directly affect employment opportunities, skill development programs, and economic growth, which in turn influence the availability of jobs for students and graduates.

1. Political Uncertainty and Job Creation:

During election years, there is often uncertainty around policy directions. Many businesses, especially those reliant on government contracts or infrastructure projects, may slow hiring until they understand the post-election economic environment. This can delay job creation, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and public services, where fresh graduates and students may look for employment.

2. Government Hiring and Schemes:

Governments frequently ramp up public sector hiring or launch skill development schemes ahead of elections to appeal to the youth vote. However, these short-term measures may not address the underlying issues of structural unemployment, skill gaps, or the mismatch between what is taught in educational institutions and what the job market requires.

### What the Government Should Do to Increase Employability Across Sectors

To boost employability, especially for students, the Indian government must undertake both short-term initiatives and long-term reforms:

1. Enhance Vocational Training and Apprenticeships:

The government should invest in expanding vocational training programs and industry-specific apprenticeships. Many students, particularly those from rural areas, may not have access to quality education. By creating more vocational institutions and partnerships with industries, students can gain practical skills that are directly transferable to the job market.

2. Strengthen the National Apprenticeship Program:

Scaling up the existing apprenticeship programs and encouraging more private sector participation would allow students to gain real-world experience while still in education. For instance, Germany’s dual education model, which combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience, can be an inspiration.

3. Focus on Technology and Innovation:

With India’s growing tech industry, the government should prioritize teaching digital skills, coding, and data analysis in universities and technical institutes. Initiatives like the National Skill Development Mission could be expanded to include advanced technology and innovation sectors.

4. Incentivize Startups and MSMEs for Student Hiring:

The government can incentivize startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to hire students and fresh graduates. MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy and often provide hands-on experience, but they face resource constraints when it comes to hiring. Tax breaks or subsidies for MSMEs hiring students could create more job opportunities.

5. Address Sector-Specific Skill Gaps:

For sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, the government must implement sector-specific skills training. These sectors have a high potential for employment generation but are often neglected in terms of skill development. Collaborating with industry leaders to design sector-specific curricula will ensure students acquire relevant skills.

### Current Government Initiatives to Increase Employability

The Indian government has been implementing a variety of programs to tackle unemployment and increase employability:

1. PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana):

Launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, this scheme aims to train youth in industry-relevant skills. The government provides certification upon completion, improving students' employability.

2. Start-Up India:

This initiative encourages entrepreneurship, providing support to startups, which in turn creates new jobs. Start-Up India provides funding support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for students and graduates who are aspiring entrepreneurs.

3. National Career Service (NCS):

This online portal provides students with access to job vacancies, career counseling, skill development programs, and internships. NCS is meant to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, particularly for fresh graduates.

4. Atmanirbhar Bharat’s Push for Local Manufacturing:

The government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives aim to boost domestic manufacturing and industrial sectors. By encouraging local production, these policies are expected to generate millions of jobs in industries such as electronics, automotive, and textiles.

5. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:

The NEP emphasizes skill-based education, multidisciplinary learning, and technology-driven education. It aims to make the Indian education system more aligned with the demands of the global job market. By focusing on employability from the early stages of education, NEP is expected to reduce the skill gap that exists today.

Conclusion

While Indian elections can bring both challenges and opportunities for students seeking employment, it is clear that government policy and initiatives play a pivotal role in shaping their future. The government’s responsibility lies in creating long-term, sustainable strategies that empower students to acquire the skills they need to thrive in a competitive job market. With increased focus on skill development, vocational training, and public-private partnerships, India can unlock the full potential of its youth, driving economic growth and reducing unemployment.