Guwahati, 21st February: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi asserted on February 21 that the unemployment rate experienced a significant surge in 2021 under the BJP’s leadership during what he called the “Amrit Kaal.” Addressing reporters at the Assam Legislative Assembly regarding the Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24, Gogoi highlighted, “The Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24, compiled by the government, indicates a drastic increase in unemployment figures during the BJP’s tenure.” He pointed out that Assam recorded 32,35,000 unemployed individuals in 2022, a stark contrast to 22,00,125 in 2021, signifying a rise of over 10 lakh unemployed individuals. Gogoi referenced historical data, noting that 2016 unemployment figures stood at 20 lakhs, highlighting a concerning escalation under the BJP government’s rule. He suggested that the influx of employed and unemployed people during the COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced the current scenario, with the possibility of many individuals not returning to their workplaces or opting to remain in Assam. Gogoi emphasized the adverse impact of the pandemic on employment, citing layoffs in both public and private sectors, as outlined in the Economic Survey report.
The Economic Survey of Assam 2023-24 reveals a notable rise in the number of educated job seekers, presenting a formidable challenge to the state’s burgeoning economy. According to the live employment exchange register, the count of registered educated job seekers increased from 17,46,671 in 2020 to 18,05,441 in 2021, marking a 3.36% upsurge. This trend persisted into 2022, with the figure soaring to 9,83,093, compared to 1,37,865 in 2021, encompassing all education levels.