Bengaluru, A recent report released by Bahutva Karnataka, an Indian civic rights group, scrutinizes the Modi administration’s unfulfilled pledges regarding job creation, wage enhancement, and overall development made during the 2019 election campaign.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the report titled ‘Employment, Wages and Inequality’ dissects the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral promises, particularly its commitment to generate 2 crore jobs annually. Contrasting this promise, the findings indicate a significant unemployment rate of 42% among graduates under 25 years old, challenging the government’s claims of economic progress and job creation.

The report, compiled with data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), is the first in a series named ‘Guarantee Checks’ aimed at critically assessing the government’s performance against its promises. Advocate Vinay Sreenivasa from Bahutva Karnataka underscored the importance of these evaluations in holding the government accountable for its commitments to the public.

One of the concerning findings highlighted in the report is the increase in the number of women engaged in unpaid labor, reflecting stagnant income levels for poorer households and limited employment opportunities. This trend suggests a deterioration in work conditions for a significant segment of the population, particularly women who increasingly participate as unpaid helpers in family enterprises.

Additionally, the report questions the BJP’s claims on improving minimum wage standards, referencing a recommendation from a 2019 Ministry of Labour and Employment expert committee which suggested setting the national minimum wage at Rs 375 per day. However, the reality, as per the report, shows nearly 30 crore workers earn below this benchmark, contradicting the government’s assertions of wage growth.

Further, the report critiques the Indian government’s slogan ‘Sab ka Saath Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all), noting that despite a 60% increase in GDP per capita over the past decade, income inequality has intensified, with the wealthiest 10% of the population accruing 60% of the income, illustrating a widening economic divide.