TEN NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi, August 24, 2026: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over youth unemployment, education, skill development and the availability of quality jobs.
Kharge, in a post on X, cited a recent NITI Aayog report estimating that around 8.7 crore Indians aged 15–29 were not in education, employment or training (NEET). The figure is based on data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021.
Citing PLFS July 2026, Kharge claimed that youth unemployment stood at 15.6%, rising to 19.5% among young women. He used the figures to question the government’s record on creating employment opportunities for India’s young population.
‘Where Are the Jobs After Graduation?’
Kharge raised three questions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, beginning with the availability of jobs for graduates.
He claimed that graduates account for a significant share of unemployed young Indians and argued that families are spending heavily on higher education and students are taking education loans, only to face limited employment opportunities after completing their degrees.
Question Over 2 Crore Jobs Promise
Kharge also questioned the frequently cited promise of creating 2 crore jobs every year, asking what happened to the commitment.
He argued that, over 12 years, this would amount to 24 crore jobs, while alleging that vacancies in government departments remain substantial and that secure employment is increasingly being replaced by contractual and part-time work.
Demographic Dividend Under Pressure
The Congress president further questioned whether India is adequately converting its demographic advantage into productive employment.
He blamed what he described as expensive and inadequate education, examination paper leaks, delayed recruitment, a skills gap and a shortage of quality jobs for creating uncertainty among young Indians.
Kharge also criticised the education and examination system, alleging that students are increasingly losing confidence in examinations while degrees are not necessarily translating into employment.
The NITI Aayog report, “Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047,” has highlighted the need to strengthen skilling, improve access to training and better align education and skills with emerging employment opportunities.
Kharge’s remarks have brought youth employment, graduate employability, skill development and the education-to-employment transition back into the political spotlight.
Note: The 8.7-crore NEET figure cited by Kharge is based on 2021 survey data, while the July 2026 PLFS figures represent more recent labour-market data. Official PLFS data also reported an overall unemployment rate of 5.1% for persons aged 15 years and above in July 2026.
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