Punjab, once proudly boasted of highest representation in the armed forces. Recruitment rallies were a huge success with parents encouraging their sons to seek career in the Force. Tall, lanky and stout turbaned Sardars made a big chunk of the Officers’ cadre.
Sadly, this is all past now. Last three years data shows sharp decline in Punjab youth joining forces. In 2010, Air Force could intake 153 Punjab youth in its recruitment drive. The count fell more than 58% in 2012, reducing the intake to just 65 youth in Air Force. In recent course strength of 615 gentlemen cadets, who eventually passed out as Commissioned officers from Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun in December last year, only 20 were from Punjab. Number of candidates appearing for NDA and IMA exams has dwindled sharply in the last couple of years.
Satinam Singh is visiring the village gurudwara to thank God for his Study Visa to Canada. “Where are the jobs in Punjab, for that matter anywhere in the country? Jobs are handful and sifarish and whatever is left goes to reservation.”
Apart from paucity of jobs, students of state seem to be victims of lack of quality higher education. Cost of higher education, especially medical study is exorbitant which can be afforded only by the privileged few. Others look toward West, especially Canada to fulfil their dreams. But here to, due to inadequate quality of education and language constraints end up being drivers, delivery boys or dishwashers.
A survey by Centre for Studying Developing Societies found 78% respondents in Punjab felt state had “ bad” jobs compared to national average of 41%