Asansol, Murshidabad, and Jalpaiguri Top the List as Skilled Youth Migrate for Work
As India’s economy shows signs of recovery post-COVID and amid global inflation trends, West Bengal’s job market continues to paint a troubling picture—especially outside the metros. Fresh data from independent labor groups and local NGOs suggest that district-level unemployment in Bengal is rising, with industrial, semi-urban, and rural zones witnessing the sharpest setbacks.
At the top of the crisis map are Asansol, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri, and South Dinajpur, where jobless rates among youth aged 20–35 have reportedly touched 18% or higher. These figures stand in sharp contrast to state and national averages and reveal a structural imbalance in job distribution and industrial decline.
H2: Where the Crisis is Worst—and Why
In Asansol and Durgapur, the slump in steel, coal, and ancillary industries continues to cost jobs. Several factories are operating with skeleton staff, relying more on machines than manpower. Contract workers, especially those in mining and welding trades, are the first to go.
In Murshidabad, the slowdown is agricultural. Paddy farmers and bidi workers, many of whom are women, are now shifting to daily wage jobs due to market saturation and poor MSP (Minimum Support Price) implementation.
Meanwhile, Jalpaiguri and North Bengal districts are battling a different beast—lack of industry diversification. With tourism slowing and tea estates struggling with global competition, skilled workers are migrating to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the Gulf in search of stability.
Government Push: Skill Development and MSMEs
In response to growing unrest, the West Bengal government has accelerated training programs under the Utkarsh Bangla and Karmashree schemes. New skill centers have opened in Malda, Bankura, and Nadia, targeting youth with vocational training in digital marketing, logistics, and electrical trades.
Yet, industry absorption remains weak. A 25-year-old ITI graduate from Cooch Behar told us, “I’ve done three courses and still can’t find stable employment. Most jobs I get are on contract, with no security.”
Political Overtones and Protests
The job issue has also taken center stage politically. Opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), have criticized the Trinamool Congress for failing to deliver on industrialization promises. Rallies in North 24 Parganas and Purulia this April saw students demanding more public sector exams and faster recruitment cycles.
“Joblessness isn’t just about pay—it’s about dignity,” said Debolina Chatterjee, a professor at Presidency University. “The state must bridge the gap between education and employability.”
Looking Ahead: Can the Crisis Be Reversed?
Experts suggest that reviving Bengal’s district economies will require more than skilling—it demands investment, infrastructure, and digital inclusion.
With Lok Sabha elections looming in 2026, job creation is expected to be a central theme, and how the state addresses these concerns could reshape Bengal’s political and economic trajectory.
Until then, millions of job-seekers remain in limbo, navigating an uncertain future with degrees in hand but no employers in sight.
