GUWAHATI: In this ongoing crisis where Coronavirus has stuck the entire world, the economic condition of India too has seen a massive downfall.
In a recent circular posted by the National Health Mission (NHM), walk-in interviews for 'cleaners' on temporary basis for COVID-19 hospitals in Assam was advertised.
To apply for the same, many candidates, irrespective of the lockdown, came from places like Barpeta and Baihata Chariali to Sarusajai stadium.
Speaking to G Plus one of the candidate said, "The NHM has issued this advertisement for 25 posts but as you can see thousands have gathered here to apply."
Further, another candidate said, "The lockdown has caused not only panic among us but also deprived us from earning money so we have come here to try our luck at getting this job atleast for the time being."
Assam's educated unemployment rate stands at 17 lakh, as per a data provided in the assembly on December 2019. Hence, the youths of Assam are keeping no stones unturned to grab an opportunity in these hard times.
Meanwhile, India's unemployment rate rose to 7.78% in February, the highest since October 2019- up from 7.16% in January 2020.
With a prediction and speculation of pay cuts and job losses, Assam too is seeing the vulnerable flipside of Coronavirus spread.
Earlier, Assam State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also hinted towards the pandemic resulting in huge job losses, pay cuts and freeze on hiring over the next few quarters.
"As per reports, job loss in India will be 50 percent," he said, hinting at difficult times especially for the private sector employees in the coming times.
A report from the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFL) published in October 2017 stated that over 1.75 lakh jobs will be required by the state annually till 2020, however, Assam, at present, is facing the twin challenge of growing unemployment and a mushrooming young population.
