SHILLONG, June 10: Sounding caution over the “alarming” rise unemployment rate in Meghalaya, Lok Sabha MP Vincent Pala, on Thursday called on Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to fast-track the recruitment for vacant positions in the newly approved 7th and 8th Battalions of Meghalaya Police to mitigate the crisis of joblessness, especially among youths, in the state.
Pointing out that the Government of India has approved two new police battalions for Meghalaya, the Congress MP told the chief minister, “I hope you are aware of the alarming rise in the rate of unemployment in Meghalaya. As per the CMIE report, the unemployment rate in our state is about 13 per cent which is the highest-ever in the history of Meghalaya”.
In a letter to the CM, Pala maintained that every year the colleges and universities produce educated youths who are deprived of adequate opportunities for employment.
“In addition, approximately two million youths who were studying or working in other parts of India have returned to the state,” he added.
Admitting that some, who were working outside, have returned and re-joined their previous employment, Pala, however, said that there are many who were compelled to stay back as their employers have stated their inability to pay salaries.
“Looking forward to your urgent response and effective intervention in this regard,” he added in the letter.
It is worth mentioning here that the Meghalaya’s Youth Policy 2021 is in the offing. The CM had earlier stated that the policy will focus on innovative interventions to ensure that the potentials of youths are harnessed.
