In a significant step towards addressing unemployment, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state will exceed its original job creation target by 2026.
“In 2021, we pledged to provide 1 lakh government jobs. But now, we aim for 1.7 lakh jobs by 2026,” Sarma declared during a public address.
He also confirmed that 400 youth were given government appointments today, taking the total to 1.25 lakh jobs created so far.
The sectors that have seen the highest employment are education, healthcare, police, and administrative services.
Thousands of positions have been filled in teaching and medical fields to strengthen Assam’s public services, while law enforcement and civil administration have also seen substantial recruitment.
The Chief Minister proudly emphasized the integrity of the hiring process. “Despite providing over 1.25 lakh jobs, not a single appointment has been marred by corruption,” Sarma said, further enhancing Assam's reputation for transparent governance.
The Scene in Himachal and Uttarakhand
This aggressive push for employment in Assam brings the focus back to the unemployment crisis in other states, particularly the Himalayan regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Both states have been struggling with high unemployment rates, compounded by limited industrial growth and seasonal dependence on tourism and agriculture.
In Himachal Pradesh, there have been growing protests by unemployed youth demanding more government jobs, especially in sectors like tourism, horticulture, and education.
Many young graduates continue to leave the state in search of employment opportunities elsewhere.
The state government has faced criticism for slow job creation, with schemes like the Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana yet to make a significant impact.
Uttarakhand faces a similar dilemma.
Despite being a hub for tourism and pilgrimage, the state has struggled to create stable, long-term employment opportunities. Local industries remain underdeveloped, and many residents are forced to migrate to urban centers like Delhi and Chandigarh for better prospects.
With Assam successfully creating jobs across multiple sectors and ensuring corruption-free appointments, the pressure is on for governments in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to replicate such initiatives.
The question remains—will these states take cues from Assam's proactive approach and implement sustainable employment strategies to address the growing job crisis among their youth?
