Indian politics has already come up with different versions of “sons of the soil” theory over the decades. Recently, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that only those domiciled in their state would be eligible for the government jobs in Madhya Pradesh.
Though it is not unique, it directly signifies accepting of nativism in a democratic country like India.
Recently, some other states like Madhya Pradesh introduced some domicile eligibility for the government as well as private job seekers.
‘Sons of the soil’ theory and “Nativism”:
These two terms are profoundly interrelated to each other.
“Sons of the soil” theory defines as the view that a particular state belongs to the main linguistic community inhabiting it or the state constitutes the exclusive homeland of its native resident.
Nativism is the political policy by which native-born or established residents are given more preference than immigrants by supporting some immigration-restriction measures.
For several months to the worldwide lock down, the unemployment rate in India has taken a drastic hit. According to the data compiled by India today’s data intelligence unit, the unemployment rate in April 2020 touched 23.52% which was almost three times the average number of 2019 and 2020.
Under the critical circumstances, many states are thinking to walk through the same path as the Madhya Pradesh government took.
Mr. Chauhan’s declaration was served as a commitment to the youths of the state, but in reality, it is a cause of concern. Maharashtra government is also moving forward towards measures to give privilege to locals in employment in private sectors.
Nativism cannot figure out India’s unemployment issue:
Although regional parties always give focus to the resident, Nativism is not a solution to India’s rising joblessness. The policy may help the residential job seekers to some extent but unable to eradicate the rate of unemployment in the country.
Nevertheless, mainstreaming of nativism is partially a good sign in the case of languages. Some states demand a certain proficiency in local languages to be worked in the government sector mainly, which is for administrative purposes.
There are also some limitations in tribal areas apart from the cultures and way of living which comes under India’s diversity.
On the other side, if the area is restricted then it would be a new challenge for youths to explore their career. Moreover, migrant populations fulfill a market demand which is made by gaps in skills.
That is why government laws of the past in several states in the mandatory quota system for locals in jobs were not applied.
Conclusion:
India is currently facing severe joblessness crisis and it affects the young minds. Unemployment is the ratio of the people who are seeking jobs and not getting jobs compared to all job seekers.
India’s growing unemployment rate denotes the failure of society to give the jobs. Nativism can create a barrier for migrants that may beneficial for local people but it also affects the economy.
It would hinder the path of youngsters across the country to brainstorm by creating this kind of policy.
By Saswati Chattopadhyay.
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