Bihar Elections: Jobs on 'spotlight' in various parties manifestos

NDA, RJD, LJP and other political parties, who are in the election fray, have given maximum priority to employment and creation of job opportunities to attract the young voters. This time, around 75 per cent of the young voters are going to cast their votes due to which it is raining jobs in every party's manifesto.

Patna: All the major political parties in Bihar have prioritised jobs and employment for the young generation in their manifestos. Jobs have been given more importance over other issues along with making the state IT hub, free COVID-19 vaccine, women safety and strengthening of health and education sectors.

Bihar, which is the first state to conduct the polls amid the pandemic, has set aside the traditional issues and is giving importance to employment in the elections. On Thursday, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto in which the party promised the creation of 19 lakh jobs to the people. This would include recruitment of 3 lakh teachers at school, college, and university level, 5 lakh jobs in the IT sector and 1 lakh in the medical field.

The Mahagathbandhan, or the Grand Alliance, which comprises of Congress, RJD and other Left parties in their manifesto promised to provide 10 lakh permanent and government jobs to the people. This would include filling up of 4.5 lakh vacancies that opened up under the NDA and further create 5.5 lakh permanent positions. RJD leader and party’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav had said there would be a provision for the job to each member of a family with guaranteed minimum wages.

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Chief Chirag Paswan, while launching its party manifesto, said that his party would build a web portal where job seekers and employers can connect directly. It has also promised to build a model to ensure that people of Bihar do not have to go to other states for seeking jobs.

READ: RLSP releases Bihar poll manifesto, focuses on education

Why is the focus on jobs?

This time, around 75 lakh young voters and going to cast their votes and decide the fate of the state. With young voters playing a significant role in this election, the parties have shifted their focus on the creation of jobs and employment opportunities. To get an understanding of the young mindset who will cast their votes in Bihar, ETV Bharat interacted with few youngsters.

“There are around 5 to 6 lakh youths living in Patna. They come from different districts of Bihar and prepare for government jobs. I thank Tejashwi Yadav that he has raised the issue of employment in this election by setting aside other issues.” said Amresh, a student.

“The issue of employment is correct but those who are talking about it do not know how the government jobs are given. They themselves are not so qualified to take the job of a peon. They will be able to give the job kidnapping only," said another student, Rajinikanth.

“The way Tejashwi Yadav is talking about giving employment to youths, we thank him wholeheartedly for this. He has taken up this crucial matter. The youth are supporting him wholeheartedly and want the state to have the change of guard," said Ranjit.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already spoken about giving two crore jobs, but after the elections, he talks of selling pakodas. He is selling the Railways, which amounts to selling jobs," said another student.

All parties were seen to be taking a stand with regard to giving employment to youths. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi targeted Tejashwi Yadav for announcing 10 lakh jobs. Modi asked how will the opposition party amass funds for the creation of this many jobs. In a series of tweets, Modi detailed the maths behind the hiring of new professionals, citing that the filling up of these new vacancies would cost the state government an extra Rs 58,415 crore.

READ: Bihar polls: 'Brand Tejashwi' vs NDA

“We will give employment to youths and make Bihar self-reliant as a State, said Prem Ranjan Patel, BJP spokesperson.

“BJP does the farming of lies. Earlier promises were made to give employment to the youths, which turned out to be fake. Once again, attempts are on to cheat the youths of Bihar, said Prem Chandra Mishra, Senior Congress leader and MLC

“The government makes the plan first and the resource is arranged later. If we have promised to provide employment, then we have a road map," said Tamanna, RJD leader.

According to the Periodic Labour force survey (PLFS) data, Bihar had an unemployment rate of 9.8 per cent as against the national average of 5.8 per cent in 2018-19. The figures are expected to increase given the job losses during the coronavirus lockdown in March and the following migration of daily wage earners in some states.