Dark Reality Of Govt. Jobs

The Bitter Truth Behind the Government Job Race: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Youth

Government jobs have long been seen as a dream for many in India. They symbolize security, respect, and a stable life. But is this race for a government job truly worth it, or is it slowly becoming a bitter poison that consumes the valuable years of our youth? The answer is more complex than it may seem.

The Government Job Obsession

Almost 40% of India’s youth aspire to secure a government job, no matter how humble the position—whether it's a peon or a clerk. A striking example of this obsession occurred in 2015 when 23 lakh people applied for just 368 peon posts in Uttar Pradesh. Among them were more than 2 lakh engineers and 255 Ph.D. holders. This overwhelming number of applicants raises the question: What is it about government jobs that keeps the youth running after them?

Government Jobs vs. Private Jobs: A Comparative Analysis

To understand this mass exodus towards government jobs, it’s important to compare government jobs with private-sector positions. Here are some key differences:

1. Fixed Working Hours

Government jobs come with fixed working hours. You arrive at the office on time and leave on time. In contrast, private companies often don’t have such consistency. Workload can demand 12-14 hours a day, leaving employees exhausted.

2. Job Security & Salary

The most attractive feature of a government job is the job security it offers. Whether the government-owned company is running at a profit or loss, your salary remains fixed. However, in private companies, during recessions, salary cuts are common, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Work Culture

Government jobs are typically associated with a smoother work culture, with less pressure from upper management. On the other hand, private sector employees often face high pressure, leading to a more stressful work environment. A glaring example of this was a video that went viral in 2022, showing a senior employee of HDFC Bank misbehaving with his junior.

4. Social Respect

In India, government jobs are regarded as symbols of respect. There are many instances where families would rather marry off their daughters to a groom who holds a government job. For instance, in Haryana, a father spent a staggering ₹60 lakh in dowry simply because the groom was a government employee. In stark contrast, blue-collar jobs, such as cleaning, are not held in the same esteem.

5. Benefits and Perks

A government job comes with several long-term benefits, including pension plans, healthcare, housing loans, and retirement plans. The government also covers the spouse's pension after the employee’s death. In the private sector, such benefits are rare and are often only available to top executives.

6. Language Barrier

In rural areas or smaller towns, many young people do not have the requisite English skills to qualify for private-sector jobs. This becomes another motivating factor for them to chase government job opportunities, as the requirement for English proficiency is often less stringent in government exams.

The Shrinking Number of Government Jobs

Despite the growing demand, the availability of government jobs is shrinking, mainly due to privatization. For example, in the banking sector, there were 27 government-owned banks until 2000. By 2023, this number had dwindled to just 12. This drastic reduction in government-owned sectors means fewer job opportunities for the youth.

For instance, in 2008, the State Bank of India (SBI) posted vacancies for 20,000 clerk positions. By 2022, that number had dropped to just 5,008. This trend is not confined to the banking sector alone; it extends across various other sectors. Privatization has led to more efficient services, such as improved roads and faster electricity production, but it has also resulted in fewer government jobs.

Factors Contributing to the Decline in Government Jobs

Several factors are contributing to the decline of government jobs in India:

1. Privatization

As government-owned sectors are privatized, the opportunities for government jobs are significantly reduced.

2. Increasing Competition

With the growing number of applicants, competition for each government job vacancy has become fierce. On average, over 1,000 candidates apply for a single government job, making the chances of securing one slimmer.

3. Advancement in Technology

Technological advancements have significantly reduced the need for human resources in many government sectors. Many jobs that once required manual labor are now automated, decreasing the number of vacancies.

4. Problems with the Exam System

Delays in exam results and frequent leaks have added to the frustration of aspiring candidates. In some cases, results are delayed for years, leading to a prolonged wait for the candidates, which in turn increases competition.

5. Rising Population

The ever-increasing population and the growing number of educated youths seeking government jobs have further intensified competition, making it harder for individuals to secure a position.

The Consequences of the Government Job Obsession

1. Wasting Valuable Time An average aspirant spends over three years preparing for government exams. The age between 20 and 30 is the most productive period for any individual, yet many youths end up stuck in an endless loop of exam preparations, only to be disappointed in the end.

2. Unemployment and Lost Opportunities Despite years of preparation, many aspirants, like GN Shakya from Allahabad, have not been able to secure a government job. Such youths often find themselves doing menial jobs or remain unemployed, which in turn affects their financial independence and social mobility.

3. Impact on the Economy While youths aspiring for government jobs are focused on minimizing their expenses, they are not contributing to the economy in meaningful ways. The fundamental principle of a growing economy is the flow of money, and with youths not spending or investing, the economy suffers.

4. Cost of Preparation The cost of preparing for government exams is another burden on middle-class families. On average, a student spends ₹2.5 lakh per year on coaching, living expenses, and other related costs. Many families endure significant financial strain, hoping their child will eventually land a government job that will improve their financial situation.

5. Monotony of Government Jobs Even if an individual does manage to secure a government job, they often find themselves in monotonous roles with little room for growth or skill enhancement. Unlike private companies, where performance and skill can lead to faster promotions, government jobs are slow-paced, and upward mobility is rare.

The Emerging Skill-Based Economy

The traditional notion of a “secure” government job is being replaced by an emerging skill-based economy. As technology advances, industries like tech, media, and marketing are booming, offering opportunities for youths to build careers without having to rely on government exams.

There are many avenues for those who wish to explore skill-based careers, such as:

• Tech Jobs: Web development, application development, and data analysis are in high demand, and these can be learned online.

• Media Jobs: Video editing, graphic design, scriptwriting, and animation are all skills that are increasingly in demand.

• Marketing: Digital marketing, social media management, and search engine optimization (SEO) are fields where people with the right skills can thrive.

Additionally, sectors like freelancing and entrepreneurship are growing rapidly, offering flexible career paths for youths who are willing to invest in their skills rather than chase a government job.

Conclusion: A Call to Rethink Priorities

In conclusion, while government jobs have long been seen as a symbol of security and respect, it is crucial for the youth of India to rethink their priorities. Instead of wasting precious years preparing for exams, they should focus on acquiring skills that are in demand in today’s rapidly changing job market.

The future lies in embracing skill-based industries and entrepreneurship, where individuals can follow their passions and build successful careers without being bound by the limitations of government exams. The world is changing, and the opportunities are endless for those willing to adapt and evolve.

It’s time to break free from the government job trap and step into a future where skills, not exams, define success.