Creating employment

Budget takes an untested approach to job creation

The Union Budget, as presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, clearly reflected the political priorities presented to the government following its less than expected seat haul in the recent elections. One interpretation of that mandate was concern about employment in India. The Budget speech highlighted several new schemes designed to increase access to jobs among India’s aspiring and educated youth, who have high levels of unemployment. As a motivation and guide to policy, this cannot be discounted. However, it may have to go back to the drawing board when it comes to the specific