This is with reference to your article, “8.7 crore youth not studying or working”, published on August 23. While the report rightly highlights the rising cost of education, I believe the problem is more deep-rooted.
The quality of school and higher education, along with outdated evaluation methods and course content, has created negativity among youth. Despite easy access to information, our education system often remains obsolete.
There is also a sharp disparity in access to education and employment between the rich and poor. Social media and films further promote unrealistic narratives of overnight success, disproportionately influencing disadvantaged sections.
Another major concern is population pressure and the mismatch between available resources, educational seats and jobs. Patriarchal attitudes towards marriage and family planning add to the problem.
Finally, religious and social constraints can sometimes limit curiosity and creativity, while reservation based on caste, domicile and other factors can create perceptions of unequal opportunity for deserving students.
ALWYN FERNANDES, Benaulim
