India’s Underemployment Crisis: The Urgent Need for Fair Wages

In recent years, India’s employment landscape has been marred by glaring disparities and challenges. The latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Indian Human Development (IHD) report paints a grim picture, highlighting that a staggering 83% of the unemployed population comprises young individuals. However, the predicament doesn’t end there; even for those fortunate enough to secure employment, the issue of underpayment looms large, casting a shadow over their livelihoods and future prospects.
Across various sectors, from engineering to healthcare and beyond, a disconcerting pattern emerges: skilled professionals are being undervalued and underpaid for their contributions. Take, for instance, the plight of B.Tech graduates, who invest years of rigorous study and training only to find themselves earning meager salaries ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 rupees per month. Similarly, nurses in private hospitals, armed with their hard-earned qualifications, are dismayed to receive remuneration far below their worth, often averaging a mere 10,000 rupees monthly. This trend extends to para-medical staff, pharmacists, and graduates of disciplines like BBA, BCA, and B.Com, who find themselves trapped in a cycle of underemployment and financial insecurity.
The repercussions of this pervasive underpayment are profound and multifaceted. Beyond the immediate strain on individuals’ finances, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and economic vulnerability, inhibiting long-term growth and prosperity. Moreover, it undermines the very fabric of meritocracy, depriving skilled professionals of the recognition and rewards commensurate with their expertise and efforts.
Addressing this pressing issue requires a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders. Firstly, policymakers must prioritize the implementation of fair labor practices and stringent regulations to ensure that workers receive wages reflective of prevailing market standards and their qualifications. Additionally, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation can create avenues for individuals to harness their skills and generate sustainable income streams.
Equally crucial is the role of employers in recognizing the value of their workforce and committing to equitable compensation practices. By investing in their employees’ development and well-being, companies not only enhance morale and productivity but also contribute to the broader goal of socioeconomic empowerment.
However, effecting meaningful change also necessitates grassroots mobilization and advocacy. Just as farmers have championed their right to fair prices through movements like the demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP), graduates and professionals must unite to assert their entitlement to dignified wages. By amplifying their voices and advocating for systemic reforms, they can catalyze a paradigm shift towards a more just and inclusive labor market.
In conclusion, India’s underemployment crisis demands urgent attention and proactive intervention. Beyond statistics and economic indicators, it is a human issue, impacting the lives and aspirations of millions across the nation. By prioritizing fair wages and empowering individuals to realize their full potential, we can pave the way towards a future where every worker is valued, respected, and remunerated fairly for their contributions to society. Addressing unemployment and underemployment, Congress’s Nyay Patra promises to fill nearly 30 lakh vacancies in various sectors, restructure the Fund of Funds Scheme for startups to generate employment, launch an urban employment program, increase wages under MGNREGA, and provide incentives for doctors serving in rural areas. These initiatives could be effective in tackling underemployment by providing opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and incentivizing skilled professionals to work in underserved areas.