Not mandir or masjid, but jobs, inflation are top issues for voters: CSDS survey

Rising prices and unemployment have emerged as the foremost concerns for voters in India ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, revealed a pre-poll survey carried out by the Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS).

As per the findings of the survey, 62% of respondents across various demographics, including villages, towns, and cities, indicated that securing employment has become increasingly challenging. The CSDS report showed that 65% of men shared this sentiment, while the number was lower among women at 59%. Only 12% of respondents felt that job opportunities had increased.

As far as difficulties in job accessibility are concerned, 67% of Muslims, 63% of Hindus from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and 59% of Scheduled Tribes (ST) conveyed similar concerns, the report revealed. The survey also disclosed that 57% of respondents from upper castes found job acquisition difficult, with only 17% perceiving it as easier.

When asked about the accountability for lack of job opportunities, 21% of respondents held the Centre accountable, 17% attributed it to state governments, and 57% believed both entities shared responsibility.

ILO report

The CSDS-Lokniti poll comes close on the heels of a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as per which more than 80% of India’s unemployed workforce comprises its youth. The proportion of young individuals with secondary education or higher, among the total unemployed youth surged from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022, the report said.

The highest unemployment rate among the youth was recorded among those with graduate degrees, a trend that has particularly impacted women. In 2022, women not engaged in employment, education, or training constituted nearly five times higher than the proportion of their male counterparts (at 48.4% versus 9.8%), accounting for around 95% of the total youth population in this category.

Inflation woes

Talking about inflation, 26% of respondents attributed the blame to the Centre, 12% to the states, and 56% to both, the CSDS poll revealed.

A large section of voters said their finances have been severely impacted, with 71% noting an increase in commodity prices. The rising costs hit primarily the economically disadvantaged (76%), Muslims (76%), and Scheduled Castes (75%), said the survey.

Quality of life

In terms of overall quality of life, 48% said that it has improved, while 35% said it has registered a decline over the past five years. Only 22% of respondents said they are able to save money from their household income, while 36% said they were merely able to fulfill their needs.

As per the survey, 55% of respondents indicated an increase in corruption over the past five years, with 25% attributing it to the Centre and 16% to the states.

The Lokniti-CSDS Pre-Poll Survey 2024 compiled responses from 10,019 individuals across 19 states. The survey was conducted in 400 polling stations spread across 100 Assembly constituencies in 100 Parliamentary constituencies.