The struggling story of our economy is not a new topic for anyone amid the destruction of all sectors, it is quite obvious to have a heavy impact on the job market. In India, 41 lakhs youth probably will lose their jobs within the next three months due to the uncertainty sowed by the pandemic and in a six-month scenario, it is expected to rise to 61 lakhs.
The roads are seemed to be blocked in the careers of young blood of India. The coronavirus pandemic economic downturn can even create more bumps in the future. According to ILO-ADB report, it is estimated that 41 lakh youth may lose their jobs in the next three months due to the disruptions in various industries. The containment measures are taken strongly and are still continuing in many countries despite having some relaxation, a lower bound of employment loss can be seen, the report added. Farm and construction sector is going to watch the huge impact. The findings of the report showcased that the youth (15-24 years) are going to suffer more than the adults (25 and older) in this sudden crisis.
In India, two-thirds of the firm-level traineeships and three-quarters of internships are completely disturbed during the pandemic. Many professional students planned for their academic final year projects and work experience which did not happen. The suggestion given by ILO and ADB is that government should implement urgent, large-scale and focused measures to generate jobs for youth, keep education and training along with minimizing the fear instilled in the minds of youth.
The challenge of getting jobs are increased now due to COVID-19. Sara Elder, the lead author of the report and head of ILO Regional Economic and Social Analysis unit stated that the fear of job loss is creating a lockdown generation and they can feel the impact and weight of crisis for many years to come thus sufficient attention should be given. The report has citations regarding the three ways on how young people are affected in the current distress. The reduced working hours and earnings, disruption in the education sector, school to work transitional difficulties and job loss for both paid and self-employed. The movement of people for jobs do not happen at all during the lockdown. The further recommendation is given to the government as a report states that the inclusion of youth in the labour and job market should be made along with economic recovery measures. After agriculture and construction, the textiles, hotels and restaurants, inland transportation and retail trade are expected to show up with a high number of job losses.
