Jobs crisis undermines state legitimacy

• India’s job shortage is a significant issue, with many unpaid, informal jobs and a low unemployment rate.

• The lack of quality employment, especially among youth, threatens the economy and the legitimacy of the state.

• The political problem lies in providing people with dignity and purpose, and means for financial support.

• The liberal and capitalist package deal has prioritized work over traditional community sources, leading to a lack of community and political engagement.

• The elite’s control over societal discourse and decision-making, which brings substantial financial rewards, is causing a lack of dignity and financial security among the population.

• The political response to this issue has been inadequate, oscillating between market forces and short-term partisanship.

• The universal basic income (UBI) is a solution, but it is inherently inequal and an assault on human dignity.

• UBI could shift focus from structural reforms to mere economic transfers, entrenching elite power and recasting the state as a mere fund distributor.

• Addressing structural issues is crucial for the future of Indian democracy and the continued relevance of political institutions.

• The failure to anticipate and address long-term structural issues is a key reason why people feel neglected by the political class.

• Political parties must provide meaningful leadership by addressing structural issues head-on without resorting to deflection or partisanship.