Jobs to Exam Coaching: How CMs Are Responding to Growing Youth Discontent

New Delhi: Growing concerns among young people over unemployment, recruitment examinations and alleged irregularities have prompted governments across several states to announce a range of measures aimed at addressing youth concerns.

The issue of “youth power” featured prominently in Independence Day speeches and announcements by political leaders following youth protests in Delhi and Ranchi. Chief Ministers from both BJP-ruled and Opposition-ruled states announced initiatives focusing on employment, competitive examinations, skill development and entrepreneurship.

In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a new youth policy aimed at strengthening skills, innovation and employment opportunities for people between 16 and 35 years of age. The state also highlighted opportunities in sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, semiconductors, startups, data centres, defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics, electric vehicles and fintech.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana with an allocation of Rs 7 crore. Under the first phase, 10,000 students in Classes 11 and 12 will receive free online coaching to help them prepare for competitive examinations.

Dhami also announced a youth commission and a self-employment and entrepreneurship incentive scheme for people in the 18-30 age group.

In Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that more than 2,000 jobs would be offered to young people through the Goa Staff Selection Commission.

Other BJP-ruled states also announced measures aimed at young people. Gujarat increased the annual family income limit for foreign-study loans for eligible non-creamy layer students from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a new department focused on youth empowerment and development. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced a State Examination Reforms Committee to make examinations more transparent and modern, along with a student support portal to address grievances.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the CG Assistant for Competitive Exam scheme, which will provide financial and logistical support to young people preparing for major competitive examinations.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that 2027 would be observed as “Yuva Varsh”, with a focus on education, skills, entrepreneurship, employment, startups, sports, research and innovation.

Opposition-ruled states have also focused on the issue. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted his government's recruitment measures and claimed that steps had been taken to ensure transparency in government examinations.

In Jharkhand, where students have been protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said protecting the aspirations of the state's youth was his responsibility. He also announced measures to address examination-related concerns and an interactive programme called “Chhatron Ki Baat — Chhatron Ke Sath” to seek students' suggestions on education issues.

The announcements come at a time when unemployment, examination irregularities and delays in recruitment have become major concerns among young voters. With several states heading towards elections, addressing youth aspirations is also emerging as an important political challenge for governments.