By Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Coordinator
We are living in an era where a degree alone does not guarantee a job. As more young people attain higher levels of education, the challenge is increasingly shifting from access to education to access to relevant, decent and sustainable employment. India’s employment data reflects this gap. According to the ILO’s India Employment Report 2024, the unemployment rate among young people with a graduate degree or higher was 29.1% in 2022. The report also points to a growing mismatch between young people’s qualifications and the jobs available to them.
Despite earning a postgraduate degree (M.A.), Fulsay worked as a daily wage labourer, as job opportunities were scarce in Raipur. Labour work brought him approximately Rs. 200/- to Rs. 250/- per day, depending on when the contractor offered him work. His monthly income of around Rs. 7,000/- hardly covered household expenses. His wife contributed by working on their family’s farm.
A new opportunity through skill development
Fulsay enrolled in CYDA’s 14-day residential WASH skill development training which is supported by UNICEF. Until then, he had never worked with plumbing, electrical wiring, or technical repairs. Handling tools, understanding water systems and fixing electrical connections were completely new experiences for him. The training focused on practical learning. Instead of only classroom sessions, several hours were spent on practising plumbing repairs, electrical work, maintenance techniques and common household water system problems. Along with technical skills, he also learnt communication, confidence-building and how to work professionally with customers.
Turning skills into livelihood
For Fulsay, the greatest transformation was believing that his education and new skills created better opportunities. Soon after completing the training, he began receiving repair work from schools, neighbours and nearby communities. A leaking tap, faulty wiring, or damaged plumbing connection that once required outside technicians could now be repaired by someone from the community itself. People appreciated that he responded promptly, explained problems clearly and completed repairs efficiently. Gradually, he started earning through his own skills.
From daily wage work to financial security
Today, Fulsay works as a Jal Jeevan Mission operator and also provides plumbing and electrical repair services across nearby communities. His monthly income increased to over Rs. 35,000/-. With this increased income, he could manage household expenses and cope with financial stress. The family now plans for the future instead of worrying about the next day’s work. His wife continues contributing through agriculture, but together they now have greater financial security and confidence.
“I feel being unemployed is not because of a lack of unemployment; it is often due to access to marketable skills and opportunities. Practical technical training along with livelihood support, CYDA has provided guidance and the right path through training,” says Fulsay.
Today, Fulsay is a WASH Mitra, always at the doorstep whenever people need him for repair work at home. Practical technical training, livelihood support and access to opportunities can help individuals turn skills into a sustainable livelihood, financial security and confidence, and lead a dignified life.
