Updated On: 07 Sep 2026
BALLARI/KAMPLI: BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra said on Monday that India’s youth could become the country’s biggest asset if provided with quality education, skills and employment opportunities.
Speaking at an open dialogue with youngsters on employment, education, KPSC reforms, artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of Kalyana Karnataka, Vijayendra said nearly 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35, making the youth crucial to the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
He said the focus should be on transforming young people from job seekers into entrepreneurs and employers who create employment opportunities.
KPSC needs comprehensive reforms
Vijayendra criticised delays at various stages of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment, including notification, examinations, results and interviews. He said lakhs of candidates had been waiting for government jobs for years after undergoing training.
“The government cannot shirk its responsibility by saying KPSC is an autonomous organisation. The delays have affected the credibility of the commission and KPSC needs to be rejuvenated,” he said.
Vijayendra promised that if the BJP returns to power, KPSC reforms and expediting government recruitment would be among its top priorities.
Focus on government schools
He stressed the need to improve infrastructure, appoint quality teachers and strengthen leadership in rural government schools. Citing a government school in Shikaripura, where student strength reportedly increased from 25 to more than 250 in two years following the appointment of capable principals and teachers, he said public confidence in government schools could be restored.
He said rural children should have access to education, healthcare and infrastructure close to home to reduce migration to cities.
Greater focus on Kalyana Karnataka
Vijayendra said Karnataka’s development should not be measured solely by Bengaluru’s progress. He called for greater investment in Kalyana Karnataka, where several villages continue to face shortages of drinking water, doctors and teachers.
He attributed youth migration from Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal and Kalaburagi partly to inadequate education, industries and employment opportunities.
He called for adequate funding, irrigation projects, quality educational institutions, healthcare facilities and industries in the region, along with transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
AI will create opportunities, says Vijayendra
Responding to concerns over job losses due to AI and automation, Vijayendra said technological changes would create both challenges and new opportunities.
Recalling similar fears when computers were introduced in the 1990s, he said new employment sectors emerged subsequently. While AI could replace some traditional jobs, it would also create new ones, he said, urging youngsters to upskill and acquire technical expertise.
Cycle scheme for rural students
Vijayendra also responded positively to a suggestion from youngsters to revive the cycle scheme for students, particularly girls travelling long distances to schools and colleges.
He said student welfare initiatives such as the distribution of cycles, notebooks and school bags should be strengthened and promised that such programmes would receive priority if the BJP returned to power.
Tourism can boost jobs in North Karnataka
Vijayendra said North Karnataka’s historical, cultural and natural heritage, particularly in Ballari and Koppal, could generate substantial employment through tourism.
Citing Kerala’s tourism model, he said tourism should be planned as a long-term initiative rather than through short-term projects. Better infrastructure, tourist facilities and global marketing of historical destinations could create employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas, he said.
Youth should enter politics
Vijayendra urged youngsters to consider politics as a platform for social service and systemic change. He said governments and political parties should focus on providing young people with education, skills, employment and opportunities for a dignified life rather than relying on temporary political attractions.
