Congress Attacks Govt Over Job Seekers in Israel, Citing Grim Unemployment Situation

The Congress party criticized the Indian government for the reported influx of people from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana seeking jobs in Israel, citing it as evidence of severe unemployment and challenging claims of economic growth. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about thousands of Indians risking their lives during a war to find employment in Israel.

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the Indian government over reports of people queuing up in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for jobs in Israel. The party's president, Mallikarjun Kharge, took to social media to question why thousands of Indians are seeking employment in Israel, even amidst the risks of war. Kharge emphasized the grim unemployment situation in the country and criticized the government's claims of a thriving economy.

Grim Rural Wages and Declining Job Creation

Kharge highlighted concerning statistics related to rural wages and job creation. He pointed out that under the current government, the growth rate of real rural wages has become negative for both agriculture (-0.6%) and non-agriculture (-1.4%), indicating widespread rural distress. The daily wages in rural India for men in 2022-23 stood at Rs 212, lower than the Rs 220 in 2014. Additionally, the demand for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is escalating, while the government has slashed its funds in the recent budget.

Challenges in Formal Job Creation and Rural Development

Kharge further criticized the government's handling of formal job creation, stating that it has fallen to a 30-month low, leaving educated youth without employment opportunities. He also pointed out that the actual disbursement of funds to Panchayats has been significantly lower than promised, impacting rural development efforts. Moreover, sales of fast-moving consumer goods have not seen any increase in 2023, indicating low household savings and a 50-year low. The growth in private consumption expenditure, a key factor in job creation, is at a 21-year low.

Widening Economic Inequalities and Rising Prices

Kharge highlighted the widening economic inequalities in the country, stating that between 2018-19 and 2022-23, individual tax collection from the public has increased by 50.55%, while corporate tax collection has only increased by 2.72%. Additionally, the prices of vegetables have surged by 60% in the last year, burdening the common people.

Congress Questions Government's Economic Policies

In light of these challenges, Kharge questioned the government's economic policies and expressed skepticism about whether the upcoming final budget of the Modi government will address the miseries inflicted on the people of India. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed these concerns, emphasizing the grim unemployment situation and the irony of young men seeking jobs in war-torn Israel.

International Court of Justice Ruling and Ethical Concerns

Ramesh also raised ethical, moral, and political issues surrounding the situation, particularly in light of the recent interim judgment of the International Court of Justice. He questioned whether the government's handling of the economy and its impact on unemployment and price rise align with the country's claims of economic prosperity.

The Congress party's criticism of the government's economic policies highlights the challenges faced by the Indian economy, particularly in terms of unemployment, rural distress, and rising prices. The party's concerns underscore the need for effective measures to address these issues and ensure inclusive economic growth and job creation.