Engage with GenZ, give them hope… they are depressed: Keralam CM Satheesan
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has urged the central government to address the widespread anxiety and depression among Gen Z. He attributes these feelings to economic uncertainty and limited job prospects, contrasting this with the government's dismissal of recent youth-led protests.
Addressing the Crisis of Youth Despair in India
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has issued a significant call to action, urging the Central government to actively engage with Generation Z. Satheesan contends that the nation’s youth are currently grappling with deep-seated depression and anxiety, fueled by a rapidly shifting labor market and a palpable lack of viable career opportunities. This critique highlights a growing disconnect between the policy priorities of the federal administration and the lived realities of young Indians facing an uncertain future.
Economic Shifts and the Anxiety of Gen Z
The core of Satheesan's argument lies in the changing nature of employment, which has left many young people feeling disenfranchised. As traditional job sectors evolve or stagnate, the youth are increasingly worried about their ability to secure stable livelihoods. This economic precariousness is not merely a fiscal issue but a social one, as it contributes to a pervasive sense of hopelessness that the Chief Minister believes requires urgent, empathetic intervention from the highest levels of government.
Political Polarization and Youth Dissent
Satheesan’s remarks arrive during a period of heightened political tension, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has frequently alleged a "foreign hand" behind recent youth-led agitations. This narrative has been used to dismiss dissent, yet Satheesan argues that these protests are genuine expressions of frustration. By framing the youth's concerns as a national security issue rather than a socio-economic one, the government risks further alienating a demographic that feels increasingly unheard.
The NEET Crisis and Electoral Integrity
Recent events serve as the backdrop for this political friction. The massive youth-led protests following the NEET paper leaks in June and July demonstrated a profound lack of trust in national recruitment and examination processes. This sentiment has bled into the political sphere, where the Congress party, led by figures like Satheesan, has spearheaded opposition efforts against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, specifically regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the inclusion of all eligible voters.
The Path Forward: Engagement vs. Dismissal
Ultimately, the Chief Minister’s plea is a call for a shift in governance strategy—from suspicion to dialogue. If the Central government continues to view youth activism through a lens of conspiracy, the gap between the state and its youngest citizens will likely widen. Addressing the psychological and economic toll on Gen Z will require more than rhetoric; it demands tangible policy reforms that acknowledge the validity of their fears and provide a clear, hopeful path toward their professional and civic integration.