Jobless grads make do with odd jobs

As job market is not as big as to absorb a high number of educated, graduates are forced to work as background dancers, delivery executives and odd jobs
Hyderabad: Unemployment is causing graduates to opt for trivial part-time jobs. Around nine lakh graduate students, much to their dismay, are forced to work as background dancers in films, delivery executives, caterers, etc. to make their both ends meet.

Every year universities produce thousands of graduates, but there are only very less job opportunities and this has made their lives difficult. The unemployment rate has not improved in the recent past, as there are 14 lakh jobless graduates in the State according to 2011 census.

The students are left with no other choice but to work as part- timers. “I completed MS in Physics in 2011 and recently pursued Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, but I’m still unable to get a job. I work in films or advertisement shoots to pay my bills. By doing this, I only get Rs 400 a day and with such minimal earning I’m not able to get married either,” said Srinivas.

A double degree holder from Osamania University is compelled to work as a watchman to make a living. “It’s a dishonour for graduates like us to do these petty jobs, whereas we can contribute so much to the societies with our knowledge and abilities,” said Ramesh (name changed).

The government should launch more schemes to address this issue, said Manavatha Roy, Chairman of Telangana Students and Unemployed Joint Action Committee. “The youth is fighting unemployment everyday.”

The recent rage for online shopping and food apps have not only benefitted the customers but also generated a noticeable employment. Some of the non-profit organisations (NGOs) have been encouraging the jobless citizens to build their own startups.

By Tera Sneha Reddy