Heed the views of the youths

The views of the youths offered through a poll undertaken by the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Annual Survey hit the nail in the head, pinpointing exactly where the problem lies in the way of our all-round development. There may have been only 672 respondents to a variety of questions related to what affects the country most, but that is the insight of not only the youth of the country, their views are fully representative of the majority of the people also. Corruption, lack of political freedom and security, in that order, are among several other impediments that are exerting a regressive pressure on the country. 

It cannot be lost on our leaders that the three issues have to do with the fundamental question of good governance. Lack of transparency, accountability and procedures encumbered by red tape that is pervasive in our country, lead to corruption, in wider sense and not only monetary. That is a disincentive for the young person who would like to participate in development ventures in the country. That is one of the reasons for migration of youth abroad, seeking better turf where there is no bureaucratic barriers, to employ their talents. And it is equally true of politics that has been constrained by shrinking of political space and increase in the level of acrimony in the relationship between the major political parties of the country. Thus we see a trend of lateral entry into politics rather than induction of young talented people from the bottom rung.

What the survey depicts is the reality on ground and the government should address these issues seriously.