India is one of the most populated countries in the world and yet, one of the biggest country in term its geographic space. Likewise, the country itself is culturally rich with a big and impressive civilization, having different religions and languages, however, oftentimes leading to division and conflicts. With the existence of the caste system which is culturally based to discriminate and separate the upper caste and the lower caste, is somehow deeply rooting in the mind and in the spirit of people and enculturated in the system. This makes difficult for the people, especially to the young people of lower caste to have a better future.

Most of the young people particularly in Tamil Nadu District suffers from job informality and instability. Most of the young people don’t have access to quality education and access to decent work. They left no choice but to do informal job which is characterized with low salary, insecure and unstable.

The opportunity to have secured job with stable income and right benefits only exists in the government sector, however it is limited for few because the competition is extraordinary high for the applicants. Many young people especially YCW members are dreaming to have job in the government.

“My name is Rashmi and I work from 9 am until 6 pm as an electrician in a government office. I receive INR 800.00 (USD 9.5) per day with definite contract. I am happy because my work is stable and regular, but the work is still precarious for I face danger without any body protection. I also don’t have access to health or social security”

India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world with aspiration to reach high middle income status. However, the economic growth of the country in the past two decades does not translate to the benefits of the majority of the people. Majority of the citizens remain poor, where families face unstable work and family income. The minimum wage in Tamil Nadu for unskilled worker is peg to INR 10,483.00 (USD 125.10) which is not enough for a family of five. The minimum wage in India is enough only for a single person considering the high rent and the daily need. Young people are not able to save and plan for the future. 

“My parents died recently and I am an orphan now. My dream was to work in IT field but without my parents support and with no income, I shifted my studies into mechanics” says Arron, a 22 years old member of YCW.

The above mentioned testimonies of Rashmi and Aaron is a huge challenge for India to achieve decent work and social justice. In the discussion YCW-India, it is a burning topic that impacting their daily life and work. They expressed that they don’t like the situation and want to change it.

The visit of Basma Louis from IYCW-International Secretariat last 12th to 24th of May, 2024, clearly gave the young workers the motivation to continue and fight for what is right.  They have develop short-term plan, intermediary and longtime plan in order to challenge and change their reality. It is parallel to the visit objectives of the IYCW to reinforce the action plan and follow-up the development of the movement. 

The two-week visit was characterized by visiting the base groups where the young people live and work, integrating with their family and community, visiting partner organization and the church, and lastly facilitating leadership training and formation session.

After the visit, it is now the task of India YCW to follow the agreed plan in order that young people find their space to learn and to be formed as leaders of action. The commitment of former members and adult YCW can play a very vital role on the reinforcement of the movement. YCW India can always count to the help and guidance of IYCW-ASPAC Team and the international Secretariat.

With coming together, young workers dream is possible,