An average Indian prioritises on getting a decent job with minimal satisfaction after completing their formal education from an average college. So in search of a better and more secure option, students start preparing for Govt. Jobs. But reality hits them hard when they find that Govt. opportunities are like finding pearls in the ocean as the irregularities and success ratio of these exams push the majority of students into hopelessness.
On Republic Day, protesters in Bihar allegedly torched 4 empty coaches of a stationary train. Videos of policemen purportedly entering rooms of students also went viral on social media. https://t.co/TSBjlWeLFA#BiharNews #JusticeForStudents #JusticeForRailwayStudents #BiharBandh
— Youth Ki Awaaz (@YouthKiAwaaz) January 28, 2022
The recent protests on the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exam results are a typical example. Computer Based Test (CBT) is common to all the Non-Technical Popular Category (NTPC) posts in RRB, but after the Results, candidates will be shortlisted on merit to the second stage. NTPC exams began in 2019 for 35208 vacancies with over 10 million applications; the RRB was supposed to provide 20 times students’ results. Still, it has projected 12 times the result with the same students eligible for different posts. Moreover, before 15 days of results, students waiting for a joining letter were asked for the exam’s 2nd phase, which was not stated earlier.
Naturally, it ignited violent protests from all over the country. Then, RRB accepted their mistakes after the Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw came forward and asked to rectify them. A five member committee was set up to investigate the matter and provide a report by 4th March. Conducting an exam with such a magnitude was difficult, said RRB.
Though the students’ sentiments on this matter can be justified, the insensitivity towards Public properties may not be. The rage of the protesters, in this case, represents the tragic plight of millions of young people who are victims of the prevailing educational system and unemployment. Examination centric approach, emphasis on rote learning, low priority to extracurricular activities is ushering Mediocrity and lack of original thinking among the youth. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER ), 83 % of educated Indians are not employable. With most Indian youth under 35, we need to equip our people to take advantage of the 21st century by providing vocational training improved course structure in different fields. Despite strong ambitions, the higher education system in India still lags behind the standards of the world. It is ranked 26th in the world, especially in engineering & technology subjects.
The mindset of lucrative job opportunities in the government sector is spreading like cancer in a society where they ignore creative options in other sectors. Youth should focus on pursuing the field of their interest take risks for creating better job opportunities. IT’s potential should be tapped by our youth population as it has produced so many genius minds making India proud globally. Quality Education should be envisaged and redefined beyond getting a degree and employment.