By Our Editor
Unemployment is a burning issue that continues to draw much public attention. Educational institutions produce literate and educated young people who, after getting their diplomas and degrees, expect to get employment either in the government or public sector. During the initial stages, employment opportunities were quite plenty and so jobs were easily available. Gradually, with more and more students passing out of the colleges and universities, job opportunities did not rise proportionately. The result was unemployment and so many qualified but jobless youths became frustrated and dejected. Getting fed up with the system, many of them began to question the government and subsequently joined the underground movements to fight for their rights and justice. Others sought relief by taking alcohol and drugs, which, in the long run, proved fatal. Education does not mean only acquiring knowledge, but it is much more than that. Anything that one learns from life and its surroundings, and not only from schools, is considered to be education. That which is learnt from schools is called formal education, whereas learning outside classrooms is known as informal education.
During the earliest years of the British Raj, education was meant to produce clerks and officials for various government departments. Soon after independence, the Government of India paid greater attention to education by introducing reforms at different levels to suit the need of the time. The latest was the National Education Policy (NEP) which was announced by the Centre in 2020. At the same time, the government being fully aware that besides formal education there are many others in the society who are equipped with skill and talents. Notably, since time immemorial in the history of our country, many skilled artisans had contributed much to the glory and splendour of the ancient past through their creative works, which are an inspiration to the present generation. During the pandemic in the last two years, skilled workforce made a huge impact on citizens’ welfare through their active involvement to fight against the disease and thereby curb the spread of the deadly virus. ‘Skill India Mission’ was introduced by the Centre to provide new opportunities for employment to those who are gifted with special talents beyond the field of formal education. At present, it is estimated that opportunities for employment of skilled workers are huge and the projected figures are in crores of rupees. Accordingly, facilities for training are being established along with stipends. The offer is extended to non-literate, newly literate, dropouts from Class VII up to Class XII and who belong to age group 15-45, with special preference for SC/ST candidates.
Meghalaya has a challenging task ahead and it should pay more attention to this category of the population. Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnics need special attention and ought to be strengthened. Similar private institutions are to be also encouraged and aided. The combined efforts will surely be a success.