A Telling Statistic
I recently came across a staggering piece of news: 15 lakh (1.5 million) people applied for just 4,500 sub-inspector positions in the UP Police. Let that sink in. For every single available post, there are over 333 aspirants. This isn't just a headline; it is a profound commentary on the state of our society and the anxieties that grip our youth.
This overwhelming response reveals a deep-seated craving for stability. A government job, with its perceived security and social standing, has become the ultimate prize in a landscape fraught with economic uncertainty. It points to a systemic issue that goes far beyond just a numbers game of job creation. It speaks to a crisis of meaningful, desirable employment.
The Technological Paradox
For decades, I have been writing about the inevitable march of technology and the disruptions it would bring. I predicted a future where entire industries would be reshaped, as I noted in my reflections on a wireless future back in 1989 in a piece titled "Strategy: inputs (primary resources)". I also discussed how AI-powered tools, like the chatbots being adopted by airlines, would dramatically reduce the need for human agents, a thought I explored in "Chatbots: Some for Businesses, Some for Immortality?".
The core idea I wanted to convey then, and which feels more urgent now, is this: while we celebrate technological advancement, we must also confront the societal shifts it creates. I had predicted this very challenge—the creation of new efficiencies that might not translate into widespread opportunities. Seeing 1.5 million people scramble for a few thousand traditional jobs is a stark validation of that concern. It highlights a dangerous disconnect between our technological progress and our socio-economic planning.
We are building a world of incredible innovation, but are we building enough pathways for people to thrive in it? The foundation of a new, tech-driven economy is being laid, but the vast majority are still seeking refuge in the perceived safety of the old structures.
Where Do We Go From Here?
This situation is a mirror reflecting our national priorities. We must ask ourselves tough questions. Is our education system preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow, or is it still churning out graduates for a world that is rapidly disappearing?
Innovation cannot happen in a vacuum. It must be accompanied by a robust framework for job creation, skill development, and a social safety net that allows people to take risks and adapt. The aspirations of millions cannot be funneled into a handful of competitive exams. That is a formula for widespread disillusionment.
The sight of so many vying for so few positions is not a sign of a nation's ambition, but of its anxiety. As we continue to build our technological future, we must ensure we are not leaving our greatest asset—our human potential—behind.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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