The path to a developed nation begins with stable, dignified jobs for scholars, not backdoor entries for the less qualified
Waseem Akhter Dar
In a time when nations across the world are racing towards innovation, development, and global competitiveness, it is deeply alarming that thousands of our most highly qualified youth — PhD scholars, postgraduate degree holders, MPhil candidates, and M.Ed graduates — continue to remain overlooked and unheard. Many among them are working on a contractual basis in colleges and universities, while countless others have been forced to take up unrelated jobs simply to earn their livelihood. This growing crisis is not only heartbreaking but also detrimental to the progress of our society.
What is even more surprising and unfortunate is the selective attention given by politicians, ministers, bureaucrats, and public representatives. Every other day, we hear loud voices advocating for the regularisation of daily wagers, many of whom do not possess even the minimum required educational qualifications. Yet the same voices remain silent when it comes to discussing the plight of thousands of deserving, meritorious, and highly educated young people. Why this silence? Why this indifference? What future awaits those who spent years in rigorous academic pursuit only to find themselves ignored when it comes to opportunities?
If we truly dream of becoming a developed nation, we must invest in our human capital — and that begins with providing dignified, stable, and merit-based opportunities to our qualified youth. These young scholars are the backbone of future research, innovation, and academic growth. Failing to utilise their talent will not only waste years of hard work but also push our society backwards at a time when the rest of the world is moving ahead with unprecedented speed.
It is time to acknowledge a bitter truth: backdoor entries have corroded the system. When unqualified or less-qualified individuals are pushed into departments through influence, agitation, strikes, or political pressure, the very foundation of meritocracy collapses. Such practices not only demoralise the deserving candidates but also weaken institutions and public trust.
If a person wants to serve in any department, the path should be one and only one – merit. Transparent recruitment processes, equal opportunity, and strict adherence to qualifications must be non-negotiable principles. Only then can we ensure fairness, quality, and long-term progress.
I strongly urge society, policymakers, and institutions to wake up from this collective slumber. Stop supporting the blue-eyed few at the cost of thousands of deserving candidates. Let us stand together for a system that values education, respects merit, and secures the future of our brightest minds. The cost of ignoring our qualified youth will be disastrous — not just for them, but for the nation as a whole.
The writer is a librarian in the Department of School Education
wa**************@***il.com