Dt: 15/6/22
Million Jobs in Central Government
- Dr T.H.Chowdary*
The decision of the Union Government to fill up / create a million jobs in the next 18 months will be harmful to India’s economic health. It means a minimum additional annual expenditure of Rs. 40,000 cr ! Government officials are not producers of wealth; they are mostly consumers of tax payers’ money and a necessary officialdom to regulate and safeguard citizens engaged in creation of wealth. They should only be in sufficient numbers in the armed forces, police, education, health and judiciary services.
2. Prime Minister has often spoken eloquently about minimum government and maximum governance. That is becoming possible by digitalization and extensive and intensive use of Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs) in every function of government of the Union and States. Simply creating and filling up posts in government is not for work waiting to be done but is response to populist demands to engage the unemployed . Unemployment and unemployability are consequences of uncontrolled growth in population, especially among the poor and sectarian segments ; poor quality of education; “we feed; you breed” policy of politicians engaged in acquisition of power and pelf .
3. By adding to the already bloated numbers of government employees we will be choosing temporary relief and pleasure to the detriment of lasting welfare; preferring preya to sreya.
4. Further, is it not the common experience of ordinary citizens that government officials are rarely helpful and guiding to the distressed and wronged citizens seeking relief to their problems?
5. Wisdom suggests that we should keep government employment to the barest minimum especially in digitalizing ( ICT using) societies and use the nation’s financial resources to enable people to be engaged in wealth creating pursuits and enterprises. (285 words)
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