Youth unemployment and drug addiction are the key focus areas for the new Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) leadership.
New MPYC president Adrian Chyne Mylliem, vice-president Banphira Lang Basaiawmoit and other senior members have expressed concern over the “worrying” unemployment rate. High youth unemployment, they said, leads to brain drain and is a factor in cases of drug addiction.
“Many succumb to their addiction and due to drugs there is a rise in petty crime,” said Mylliem.
On jobs, Mylliem said that more options for students pursuing higher education could help keep talented youth in Meghalaya.
“Currently, our talented youth are leaving the state which is good for other areas but is a loss for Meghalaya. Talented youths who can contribute to our own state are leaving for greener pastures because of the unavailability of any opportunities,” he said. “We urge the youth not to take these matters lightly. Come forward and join us to bring that change. We will discuss how to tackle the growing issues in our state.”
Meanwhile, Basaiawmoit expressed hope that the Congress will see a stop in defections and the like and turn a corner. The beginning of this process will see the Congress organise more strongly at the grassroots level.
“We have toured the villages and visited schools and have seen what the schools are lacking. These are issues that people are aware of and we would like to bring it to a bigger platform,” Basaiawmoit said.
