Imlisanen Jamir
The recent departmental examinations for LDA and driver posts in 8 districts of the State show how, despite efforts to wean people off from solely depending on government job opportunities, a large part of the population are still compelled to look at public sector employment as the most desirable.
The latest exam for 53 posts in the 8 districts of Nagaland was taken by 5,265 candidates. This is but a sample of the social psyche in a culture that has lionized public sector employment. Reasons for this are multiple—from the purported social security of government jobs to the inability of private enterprises in Nagaland to offer competitive pay, and the overwhelming of the business economy by migrant communities.
Granted, that opportunities are opening up these days in the private sector. Despite the continued lack of outside investment that generates employment in the state, there are enterprising people who have taken the mantle of business and entrepreneurship in Nagaland. Whatever opportunities are being created internally, however, have not been enough to address the mass unemployment issue here.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2019-20, released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), unemployment rate in Nagaland for persons 15 years and above was 24.7%. This is an increase from 17.4% in 2018-19.
The survey further states that the percentage of unemployment rate for people in the age group of 15-29 years was 70.1% in Nagaland. A massive percentage considering that the all India percentage rate for the same is 28.7%.
In addition to this, the oversaturation of government employees fuelled by decades of backdoor appointments has put the State exchequer in a tough position. According to the Nagaland Economic Survey 2021-2022, salaries and wages account for the largest amount within revenue expenditure in the State. The amount has increased from Rs 5647.82 crore in 2020-21 (Revise Estimate) to Rs. 6255.56 crore in 2021-22 (Budget Estimates). Salaries and wages alone accounted for 46.81% of revenue expenditure in 2020-21 (RE).
Another level of aggravation that abounds these days is seen in the frequent tussles between employees and the government. The point of contention in most of these is unpaid or delays in release of salaries to certain personnel. In addition to this is the frustration among the thousands of candidates who feel cheated by a system of recruitment that continues to work on internal machinations that cause illegal appointments.
Given the current scenario, if measures are not taken soon, it is not unfair to say that the State faces an economic and social disaster. More policy action is needed, along with the ones already in place, to create a more sustainable business environment. Additional impetus is also required to encourage the public to see past government jobs. This calls for a change in our perceptions of employment, success and happiness.
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