Agriculture sector can play a key role during recession

GP Baroowa
Global recession has affected the Indian industrial sector to a large extent. In India, the agriculture is the biggest employer followed by textile segments. Due to bad export more than four lakh employees have lost their jobs. Now even skilled workers have started losing jobs. This may create turmoil in the society. Even during Bengal famine no such major upheaval was noticed amongst the various economic segments of the society.

Barrack Obama, American president in his recent speech asked the American youths to work more considering the economic condition prevailing in the world. “Young American boys need to pull up their socks in case they want to survive”, he said. These words of President Obama was meant for the boys of his country. But it is also true for our own country too. Our boys must develop skills. Not only development of skill alone would resolve the problem. Indian boys shall have to understand the dignity of labour.

The service sector would need honest and dedicated employees. Over the years it is seen how transport sector has developed with private drivers giving excellent service coupled with watch and ward forces. Ten years back 12 hours dedicated service from employees was unthinkable. Now it has become the order of the day. Courier service is another example of dedicated service of the day.

During the recession health and food related segments, which can provide some stability. In this respect Government can help providing training facilities for health related machines and instruments. The medical facilities of the private sector enterprises can be utilized for the training purposes. These youths could be deployed after proper training to the villages to take care of health of the population.

Perhaps development of agriculture sector could be also savior. In Assam, agriculture sector may be a major area in which more and more youths can be engaged by providing proper credit flow. This is also the time for building up enough roads in the villages linking the district headquarters. Fisheries are other areas where development can be thought of. These are the areas where our youths also have to show interest.

The Government must also start medical facilities at the earliest. Several engineering colleges have been opened. These colleges can provide employment opportunities. Our boys must also be prepared to accept training and get them selves retrained with media related avenues. During this time there is no chance to loose jobs in media sphere, educational institute, nursing and NGO.

The social welfare segments are also coming up pretty well. Young engineers instead of waiting endlessly for the job posting which they were promised during campus interview should prepare for all India civil service jobs. A lot of engineers are required in the defence forces. Young boys and girls can keep their eyes and ears open and apply for these jobs.

The unions of the state have also a roll to play. Instead of confront with the management it is the time to cooperate with the management. Productivity must not be ignored. Lay off could be avoided at the cost of acceptance of lower salary if need be. One thing must be kept in mind that bad time will not continue forever. It is bound to change. The bad days would change for good. Only thing workers must wait with positive outlook.

Readers can send their feedback at gpbarua@yahoo.co.in ASSAM TRIBUNE