Rahul Gandhi Announces ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ Scheme: Who Will Benefit and How to Apply

On April 17, 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced the launch of a groundbreaking employment initiative called the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ (First Job Guarantee) scheme. This scheme aims to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in India by guaranteeing their first job, a promise that Rahul Gandhi described as “historic.” Speaking at a rally in Mandya, Karnataka, Gandhi highlighted the details and significance of the scheme, emphasizing its potential to transform the lives of young graduates and diploma holders across the country.

Overview of the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ Scheme

The ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme is designed to provide a guaranteed first job to unemployed youth who possess a diploma or are college graduates. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Congress party to create meaningful employment opportunities and ensure economic stability for the younger generation. According to Rahul Gandhi, this scheme will be a fundamental right for young job seekers if the Congress party comes to power.

Key Features of the Scheme

  1. Guaranteed Employment: The scheme promises to provide the first job to all eligible diploma holders and college graduates.
  2. Eligibility: Young individuals who have completed their diploma or graduation from recognized institutions.
  3. Focus on Youth: Aimed specifically at addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that young people can start their careers on a strong footing.

Congress Party’s 2024 Election Manifesto

The announcement of the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme is part of the Congress party’s broader 2024 election manifesto, which was unveiled on April 5, 2024. This manifesto, termed as ‘Nyayapatra,’ outlines a comprehensive plan divided into ten key areas including youth justice, women’s justice, and farmers’ justice.

Key Promises in the Manifesto

  1. Employment Generation: Filling approximately 30 lakh approved posts in the central government at various levels.
  2. National Minimum Wage: Increasing the national minimum wage to Rs. 400 per day.
  3. Healthcare: Implementing a cashless insurance model providing coverage up to Rs. 25 lakhs per family.
  4. Agricultural Reforms: Enacting the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
  5. Caste Census: Conducting a nationwide caste-based census.
  6. Education Loan Waiver: Waiving off all education loans taken up to March 15, 2024.
  7. Basic Income Support: Transferring Rs. 1 lakh annually to every poor Indian family under the ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme.
  8. Economic Growth: Doubling the GDP within the next ten years.
  9. GST Reform: Replacing the current GST law with GST 2.0.
  10. Election Law Reforms: Making significant amendments to the current election laws.

How to Apply for the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ Scheme

The application process for the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme is expected to be straightforward and accessible to all eligible candidates. Here are the steps to apply once the scheme is officially rolled out:

  1. Eligibility Check: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, i.e., you must be a diploma holder or a college graduate.
  2. Online Registration: Visit the official website of the scheme (which will be announced by the Congress party) and register by providing your personal and educational details.
  3. Document Submission: Upload necessary documents such as your diploma or degree certificates, identification proof, and other required documents.
  4. Application Review: Your application will be reviewed, and if all criteria are met, you will be enrolled in the scheme.
  5. Job Matching: Based on your qualifications and interests, the scheme will match you with suitable job opportunities.
  6. Job Placement: You will receive notifications regarding job placements, and the first job offer will be guaranteed.

Impact and Benefits of the Scheme

For Youth

  1. Economic Stability: Provides financial stability by ensuring the first job, helping youth to start their careers and become financially independent.
  2. Skill Utilization: Helps in the effective utilization of the skills and education acquired by the youth.
  3. Confidence Building: Boosts the confidence of young individuals by ensuring that they have a clear path to employment.

For the Economy

  1. Increased Workforce Participation: With more youth entering the workforce, the overall productivity and economic output of the country will increase.
  2. Reduction in Unemployment: Significant reduction in youth unemployment rates, leading to more balanced economic growth.
  3. Enhanced Consumer Spending: With more individuals earning, consumer spending will increase, driving demand for goods and services.

For the Society

  1. Social Stability: Employment provides a sense of purpose and belonging, reducing social unrest and promoting harmony.
  2. Poverty Reduction: By providing jobs, the scheme helps in lifting families out of poverty, contributing to the overall socio-economic development.
  3. Educational Motivation: Encourages more young people to pursue higher education, knowing that their efforts will lead to guaranteed employment.

Comparison with Previous Promises

In previous election cycles, the Congress party has made several promises related to employment and economic development. However, the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme stands out due to its specific focus on youth employment and its promise of guaranteed first jobs. This scheme is part of a broader strategy to address unemployment and create sustainable economic growth.

Differences from 2019 Manifesto

  1. Specificity: The 2024 manifesto, particularly the ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme, provides specific solutions for youth employment, unlike the broader promises of previous years.
  2. Implementation Plan: Clear steps and measures are outlined for implementation, making the promises more tangible and actionable.
  3. Broader Scope: The 2024 manifesto covers a wider range of issues, including health, education, and agricultural reforms, compared to the 2019 manifesto.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Challenges

  1. Implementation: Ensuring effective and timely implementation of the scheme across different states.
  2. Funding: Securing the necessary financial resources to support the scheme.
  3. Coordination: Coordinating with various educational institutions and employers to provide suitable job opportunities.

Solutions

  1. Robust Planning: Developing a detailed implementation plan with clear timelines and responsibilities.
  2. Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging with private sector companies to create job opportunities and share the financial burden.
  3. Continuous Monitoring: Establishing a monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and address any issues promptly.

Conclusion

The ‘Pehli Naukri Pakki’ scheme announced by Rahul Gandhi represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of youth unemployment in India. By guaranteeing the first job to diploma holders and college graduates, the scheme aims to provide economic stability, utilize the skills of young individuals, and boost their confidence. If implemented effectively, this scheme has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the country, providing a brighter future for the youth.

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For more information, visit the official Congress Party website and stay tuned for detailed guidelines and application procedures.