Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak’s remarks encouraging people to consider driving taxis or e-rickshaws instead of pursuing conventional jobs have triggered a debate over employment, self-employment and opportunities for young people.
Speaking at the launch of Bharat Taxi in Lucknow on September 23, Pathak advised people not to remain focused solely on conventional employment and suggested that driving a taxi or e-rickshaw could provide financial independence and greater flexibility to spend time with family. He also referred to the saying “Paradhin sapnehu sukh nahin,” while highlighting the advantages of self-employment.
The remarks have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and others, who argued that promoting self-employment should not replace efforts to expand regular employment opportunities. The episode has also revived an earlier national debate over how informal and self-employed work should be counted and described as employment.
A similar discussion followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2018 remark that a person earning ₹200 a day by selling pakodas could be considered employed.
The latest controversy has brought renewed attention to the balance between formal jobs, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.
