Unemployment Crisis in Punjab
The Unemployment Crisis in Punjab has reached an alarming level in 2025, raising serious concerns about the future of the province’s youth and economic stability. With over 2 million young people registering on the Naukri job portal in a short period, the crisis reflects the growing gap between job seekers and available employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
Despite claims of development and progress, the latest figures suggest a troubling reality: a growing population with shrinking opportunities.
Punjab’s Population Boom and Job Market Strain
The population of Punjab has grown rapidly over the past two decades:
- 1998: Over 70 million
- 2017: Crossed 100 million
- 2023: Reached 127.688 million
This explosive growth has increased the demand for jobs, housing, education, and healthcare, but the creation of new jobs has not kept pace.
Currently, more than 3,000 posts remain vacant in the Punjab Civil Secretariat and various government departments, showing a lack of urgency in filling critical roles that could ease the unemployment burden.
Record-Breaking Registrations on Naukri Job Portal
In response to the crisis, the Punjab government partnered with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to launch the Naukri job portal, a platform meant to streamline access to public and private job openings.
- Over 2 million job seekers have already registered on the portal.
- The portal includes job postings from around 170 departments.
This surge in registrations is a clear sign of how widespread the unemployment crisis has become, especially among educated youth.
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Shocking Figures: Millions Apply for Thousands of Jobs
According to official records:
- From 2021 to July 2025, more than 2.4 million applications were received.
- These applications were for just 36,000 vacancies across 2,000+ departments.
This ratio of nearly 67 applicants per job demonstrates the fierce competition and lack of sufficient job creation in the province.
Concerns Over Political Hiring and Contractor System
Chaudhry Ghulam Ghaus, Secretary of the Punjab Civil Secretariat Employees Association, expressed serious concerns over the current hiring practices. He claims that:
- The government is allegedly hiring on political grounds.
- The use of a contractor-based hiring system is undermining merit.
- These practices are deepening unemployment rather than solving it.
He urged the authorities to halt favoritism and implement transparent, merit-based hiring systems.
Government’s Response: Promises of Employment by 2026
In response to criticism, a Punjab government spokesperson stated that concrete steps are being taken to reduce unemployment. The creation of the job portal is just one part of a broader strategy.
The spokesperson added that:
“The year 2026 will be declared as the Year of Eliminating Unemployment in Punjab.”
While these are promising words, many believe actions must speak louder than announcements. Until more permanent jobs are created and fair hiring practices are enforced, the situation is unlikely to improve significantly.
Impact on Punjab’s Youth and Economy
The unemployment crisis is particularly devastating for Punjab’s youth, many of whom are:
- Highly educated but underemployed or jobless
- Facing mental health issues due to job insecurity
- Considering migration for better opportunities abroad
This not only leads to brain drain but also affects economic growth, consumer spending, and social stability.
Recommendations and Solutions
To effectively address unemployment in Punjab, the following steps are essential:
- Transparent Recruitment: Eliminate political influence and ensure merit-based hiring in all public departments.
- Filling Existing Vacancies: Speed up the hiring process for the 3,000+ vacant government posts.
- Private Sector Support: Provide incentives and tax relief to businesses that hire fresh graduates.
- Skill Development Programs: Launch training and upskilling initiatives to bridge the gap between education and market demand.
- Startup Ecosystem: Encourage entrepreneurship with access to funding and mentorship.
- Job Creation in Rural Areas: Develop localized industries to prevent migration to urban centers.
Conclusion
The rising unemployment in Punjab in 2025 is not just a number it represents millions of dreams on hold. With over 2 million youth actively seeking jobs, urgent and honest measures are needed to match job creation with the province’s population growth.
The Punjab government’s efforts, including the Naukri portal, are a step in the right direction, but only time will tell if these initiatives are implemented effectively. The hope is that 2026 truly becomes a turning point, a year where every deserving individual finds an opportunity to work, grow, and contribute to the province’s development.
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