In Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its serene landscapes and quiet political pulse, a storm is quietly brewing — one led not by politicians, but by the youth.
The Himachal Unemployed Youth Federation (HUYF) has emerged as a powerful voice for unemployed young people across Himachal Pradesh. Within a remarkably short time, the HUYF has carved out a reputation as a grassroots force driving social and political attention to the state’s worsening employment crisis. From a few members not long ago, the federation has gone around 2.5 lakh-strong.
Himachal Pradesh’s unemployment rate has reached an all-time high, leaving thousands of educated youth demoralised and directionless. Amid this uncertainty, the HUYF has risen as a dynamic and assertive organisation that represents these young voices.
From Vidhan Sabha gheraos to coordinated online protests, the federation has ensured that the concerns of unemployed youth are impossible to ignore.
Here’s how the HUYF is emerging as a significant and strong force:
- Organising protests and advocacy: The HUYF has been at the forefront of mobilising unemployed youth to demand government action on job creation. For instance, it staged a notable protest in Mandi district on December 23, 2024, highlighting the state government’s failure to fulfill its 2022 election promise of providing 5 lakh government jobs.
- Clear policy demands: The federation has articulated specific demands to tackle unemployment, such as discontinuing the guest teacher policy, ending outsourced recruitment, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Himachal Pradesh State Selection Commission and addressing issues like paper leaks in competitive exams. These demands resonate with the youth, who seek transparent and permanent job opportunities rather than temporary or outsourced roles.
- Grassroots mobilisation: The HUYF’s ability to organise protests across districts like Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur and Kangra demonstrate its growing grassroots network. By rallying youth under a unified banner, it fosters a sense of collective identity and purpose among jobless individuals, particularly those frustrated with the government’s inaction. This localised approach strengthens its influence in various regions of Himachal Pradesh.
- Non-political stance: The HUYF positions itself as a non-political entity, focusing on the plight of unemployed youth rather than aligning with any political party. This stance, as voiced by leaders and protesters like Tek Singh, enhances its credibility and broadens its appeal among disillusioned youth who feel let down by successive governments.
- Highlighting systemic issues: The federation draws attention to systemic issues, such as the high unemployment rate in Himachal Pradesh, which ranks second in India with an estimated 8-12 lakh unemployed individuals in a population of 70 lakh. By citing government data and unofficial estimates, the HUYF underscores the urgency of the crisis, making it a prominent advocate for systemic reforms in recruitment and job creation.
- Building solidarity: By uniting youth under a common cause, the HUYF fosters solidarity among diverse groups, including graduates, postgraduates and those with technical qualifications. This inclusivity strengthens its organisational base as it represents a wide cross-section of the unemployed population, with high number of registered jobless individuals in the state being women.
- Proactive job creation efforts: The initiative to connect job seekers with private sector opportunities demonstrates a proactive and solution-oriented approach that goes beyond simply protesting. This practical support can provide immediate relief to some while they continue to fight for systemic change.
Challenges ahead and the employment factor
While HUYF is emerging as a strong organisation, it operates in a challenging context:
Sustainability: Sustaining momentum through continuous protests and avoiding politicisation will be critical for HUYF to maintain its influence.
Government resistance: The state government’s focus on temporary measures like guest teacher recruitment or outsourced jobs has drawn criticism from the HUYF, which sees these as inadequate solutions. The government’s legal efforts to overturn court stays on outsourced recruitment further complicate the situation.
Economic constraints: Himachal Pradesh’s lack of industrialisation and reliance on government jobs exacerbate unemployment, limiting the immediate impact of HUYF’s demands.
Shrey Awasthi
