(TNO) Officials in a state in India were overwhelmed with 2.3 million job applications when they opened up 368 positions. If they were to interview all 2.3 million people, the hiring process would take up to 4 years.
 There were as many as 2.3 million applicants for 368 job openings in India – Photo: Reuters |
According to CNN, when a state in India recently posted that it was hiring for 368 tea and night watch service positions, they were “stunned” to receive 2.3 million applications. 2.3 million applicants is equivalent to 1% of the population in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
According to Indian media, if they were to interview all the applicants, the hiring process would take up to 4 years.
Alok Chaurasia, a graduate in electronics and communication engineering and one of the applicants, said having a job is better than being unemployed. “There is no job anywhere. When I saw the notification that there was a position open, I applied immediately,” he told NDTV.
The labor market of the Asian country receives up to 1 million new workers every month. This recent event shows the labor demand for manual labor in India, the not so positive context of the country’s labor market, and emphasizes the dependence of millions of Indians on state employment.
In India, having a government job provides workers with relatively high wages, financial security in retirement, and many other benefits. In addition, thanks to the current laws, the employment contracts they sign can last a lifetime. This is a very favorable combination for many Indians.
Not long ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to create more jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Experts from Societe Generale Bank say that Prime Minister Modi’s goal of creating 100 million new jobs by 2022 is “impossible”. The second most populous country in the world still needs to reform labor laws, simplify tax codes, and when it comes to legal reform, it is a time-consuming process.
Frequently asked questions
The article highlights a concerning issue in India, where 2.3 million people applied for just 368 job positions at a government-owned company. This reflects the dire unemployment situation in the country.
The sheer number of applicants can be attributed to the secure nature of government jobs in India, which offer stable income, benefits, and job security. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the country’s unemployment crisis, leaving many desperate for any available opportunity.
The intense competition for a limited number of jobs can lead to a skills gap, as many qualified individuals may be overlooked due to the sheer volume of applicants. This can result in a waste of talent and potential, impacting the country’s economic growth and development.
To address the unemployment crisis, the Indian government and private sector need to collaborate to create more job opportunities. This could involve investing in diverse industries, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing skills training to match market demands.
Yes, similar instances have occurred in other countries. For example, in 2021, McDonald’s received 1 million applications for 25,000 jobs in the UK. This highlights the global challenge of unemployment and the need for economies to adapt to changing job markets.
