Not mandir or masjid, but jobs, inflation are top issues for voters: CSDS survey
As per the survey, 62% of respondents across various demographics indicated that securing employment has become increasingly challenging
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.
