Lucknow: The regional employment office in Lalbagh, Lucknow, hosted a job fair that highlighted a grim reality: educated yet unemployed youth struggling to make ends meet. The event drew a diverse crowd, from those with postgraduate degrees to individuals who had only completed basic education. The common thread? A relentless pursuit of employment in an increasingly challenging job market.
Stories of Desperation and Determination
Among the attendees was Kalpana Yadav (name changed), a 35-year-old postgraduate from Sarojininagar, who arrived with her two children. Kalpana shared her frustration, stating, “I’ve applied for countless government jobs with no success. With the cost of living rising, my family can no longer survive on my husband’s income alone. I’m ready to accept any job in the private sector.”
Similarly, Neeraj Kumar, hailing from Udayganj, voiced his concern about his family’s deteriorating financial condition. He had submitted his CV to various companies at the fair and was hopeful for a callback. Soni Kumari, a graduate who completed her studies two years ago, lamented her inability to find employment. “Dignity matters, but at this point, I am ready to take any private job that comes my way,” she said.
Limited Success: Jobs for 87 Youth
The fair saw participation from six companies, including SIS, Paytm, and Weaving, offering roles such as security guard, fresher, customer support agent, and trainee. According to Suryakant Kumar, Assistant Director of Regional Employment, 87 attendees were offered positions. While the number brought some relief, it underscored the widespread issue of unemployment among the educated populace.
Transport Corporation Fair: An Unexpected Scene
A separate job fair organized by the Transport Corporation at the Vibhuti Khand Roadways workshop revealed another startling trend. Educated youth, some with degrees, queued up to apply for bus driver positions—a role that only required a Class 8 qualification. Out of over 50 applicants, 44 were selected after passing driving tests. These drivers, required to pay a security deposit of ₹2,000, will be trained for deployment, including duties during the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
The criteria for contract drivers were straightforward:
- Minimum educational qualification: Class 8 pass
- Possession of a valid transport vehicle driver’s license
- Minimum height: 5 feet 3 inches
Salary Structure for Drivers:
- ₹1.89 per kilometer for bus operations
- Fixed salary of ₹16,000–₹19,000 after two years of service
- Free travel passes for families twice a year
- ₹1 crore insurance in case of death due to a bus accident
A Glimmer of Hope for Western Uttar Pradesh
The month of December promises more opportunities for unemployed youth in western Uttar Pradesh. According to Shashi Bhushan Upadhyay, Assistant Director of Meerut Division’s Labor and Employment Department, approximately 60 employment fairs are planned across the region. These include regional-level fairs and larger events aiming to connect youth with jobs in renowned companies.
Focus on Tier-2 Cities: A New Era of Job Creation
A report by leading recruitment agency TeamLease highlighted the growing prominence of tier-2 cities like Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Jaipur in job creation. Factors driving this trend include lower operational costs for businesses, access to untapped talent pools, and improved infrastructure.
Growth in Tier-2 Cities:
- Coimbatore: 24.6% growth in job creation
- Gurgaon: 22.6%
- Jaipur: 20.3%
- Lucknow: 18.5%
- Nagpur: 16.7%
While metro cities like Bengaluru and Delhi still dominate with job creation rates of 53.1% and 50.2%, respectively, tier-2 cities are increasingly seen as viable alternatives for both businesses and job seekers.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the promise of employment fairs, many job seekers remain disheartened by their circumstances. The systemic issue of underemployment and skill mismatch persists. Companies often demand higher education and advanced skills, particularly for jobs in banking, insurance, and IT sectors, which offer attractive salaries ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹35,000 per month.
Success Stories: Jobs in Numbers
From July to November 2024, employment fairs across Meerut and Ghaziabad facilitated jobs for over 12,000 youth, with Ghaziabad leading the way. The success rate in smaller districts like Hapur and Baghpat is also improving, thanks to targeted efforts to attract more companies.
Job Placements by Region (April–November 2024):
- Ghaziabad: 5,000+
- Gautam Buddha Nagar: 2,200
- Meerut: 3,500
- Bulandshahr: 1,800
- Baghpat: 1,400
- Hapur: 1,300
A Way Forward
The employment fairs held in Lalbagh and across Uttar Pradesh reflect a critical crossroads for the state’s workforce. While job fairs provide a platform for employment, addressing deeper issues such as skill gaps and economic disparities remains vital. Initiatives like online job fairs and skill development programs could serve as a bridge, ensuring that educated youth are not left behind in their quest for dignity and financial stability.
