With the assembly elections just a few days away, the electorate of Goa have yet another opportunity to elect the right candidates to serve them. The focus of this election has to be on the youth as there are numerous youth who have enrolled themselves in the electoral rolls. The question is ‘why the youth?’ Till date the youth are yet to play a pivotal role in the elections of Goa. It is very clear from the performance of our representatives in the assembly, that they have not lived up to the expectations of the youth. I would like to highlight why the youth have to take a center stage to decide about this year’s elections. Youth being the majority of electorate have not taken an active part in politics of Goa. Choosing of the candidates is of prime importance, as the candidates should be first of all educated to understand the intricacies of running the affairs of the state.
The core issue which effects the youth once they graduate are:
a) In ability to get internships and jobs in functional areas, coupled by a defunct employment exchange.
b) Over dependence on acquiring government jobs at any cost.
c) Internet connectivity issues in rural areas with a hindrance for study and work from home.
d) Lack of skill development opportunities.
Goa being a small state can have a workable plan for all the youth that graduate, provided such requirements are created by the elected representatives who form the government. Also many youth are lured by short term benefits that are thrown at them during the time of the elections. So the youth should look at the long term benefits before selecting or electing the concerned candidate. As most of the political parties have already declared their candidates for their respective constituencies. It looks as if the youth were not taken into confidence, but they can still play a major part by giving their mandate to the candidates who solve the above mentioned issues. It would be wise if the youth play an active role in politics as they themselves would address these issues that are concerning them. Most of the manifestos of political parties are devoid of the concerns of the youth, so it would be appropriate for the youth to come in large numbers and be counted and be the change that they require. It will be futile if the youth fail to exercise their right and later lament that the core issues were not taken up in the ensuing five years that follow.
I have encountered many youth who were of the view that they would vote for NOTA option, it is equivalent to not voting. It is better to vote as someone will rule even if you choose the NOTA option and that may not be the right candidate or dispensation who is in favour of the youth. The youth also need to ‘value their vote’. The youth can also have a massive deliberation on their smart phones as to whom they should vote for. Making informed choices is very important during these elections.
Let this assembly election of 2022 be a turning point in the destiny of Goa as the youth have got the power to ‘Be the Change’ and ‘Make the Change’ and be counted.
