According to the 'Mood of the Nation' (MOTN) survey conducted by India Today and C-Voter, an extensive analysis of changing political and social trends in the country was presented. This poll is the most comprehensive and large-scale to date, as it was conducted following recent protests among Generation Z to gauge the sentiments of youth and the general public. The study included several important questions regarding the current situation and upcoming elections.
Jobs or education: what is the main problem?
When Generation Z was asked about their most pressing issue at the moment, the overwhelming majority chose employment. Fifty-three percent of young people stated that job searching is their primary concern. Furthermore, 22 percent named education as their most significant issue. Inflation related to the cost of living was identified as the biggest problem for 12 percent of the youth, while only 4 percent prioritized mental health.
These data clearly demonstrate that the problem of unemployment surpasses all other issues in the minds of the youth.
What is the youth's opinion on opportunities in the country?
Young people were also asked about their views on the opportunities available in the country. The answers showed that 32 percent of young people believe that hard work and talent still matter. 26 percent feel that money and connections are actually what matters. 22 percent expressed the view that there are very few opportunities in the country, while 14 percent noted that opportunities exist but are limited to certain sectors.
Who is responsible for ensuring employment?
When young people were asked who bears the greatest responsibility for their employment, the vast majority named the central and regional governments. Sixty-three percent of young people believe that the primary responsibility for job creation lies with the central and regional governments. Following this, 14 percent blamed schools and colleges, 9 percent blamed private employers, and only 5 percent blamed ordinary people and families. These figures indicate a high dependence of the youth on the state regarding employment.
What should be the government's highest priority right now?
The survey also inquired about what the highest priority task for the government should be. The largest number, 23 percent of people, preferred improving education and healthcare. 21 percent stated the need to increase infrastructure and capital expenditure. 18 percent believed that all areas should receive equal attention, while 16 percent advocated for direct aid to families. Eight percent supported tax reduction, and only 4 percent supported increasing social harmony.
This suggests that education, healthcare, and infrastructure remain the most important areas in the eyes of the public.
Should CJP participate in elections?
The MOTN survey also yielded interesting results regarding the new student organization CJP. When participants were asked what they thought about CJP remaining solely a lobbying group, 39 percent replied that it should remain exclusively a lobbying group. Meanwhile, 26 percent opined that CJP should participate in elections.
Will you vote for CJP if it participates in elections?
In a subsequent question about voting for CJP if it participated in elections, 33 percent responded positively, while 43 percent gave a negative response. These data show that although the public shows interest in CJP, it does not yet appear ready to gain broad electoral support.
Overall, this 'Mood of the Nation' survey reflects the current state of affairs in the country: the youth consider the government most responsible for jobs, the wider population prioritizes education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and new political experiments are viewed with cautious but curious regard.