Udupi: Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports, said on Tuesday that it was the responsibility of the system to provide jobs to the educated youth.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Udyog Mela organised by the Department of Employment and Industrial Training and other organisations at the Dr. G. Shankar First Grade College and PG Centre, here.

Mr. Madhwaraj said the Department of Employment should give first preference to Udupi district while providing employment opportunities.

This was because the district was already in the forefront in the education sector in the State.

Its educational institutions were generating a large number of graduates and postgraduates. These youth could become frustrated if they did not get jobs.

The youth, who passed from professional courses, were under far more pressure as they had taken educational loans to complete their courses.

These youth were being pressurised by their parents on one hand and by the banks on the other. Besides, mere possession of degrees would not fetch employment for the youth. They need to have soft skills. It was only when they had both that their chances of getting a job became bright, he said.

The educated youth should also try to get self-employed. Only 10% to 15% of youth got employment in the job melas. “The educated youth should become self employed and generate jobs for others. Self employment is an avenue some of the educated youth should explore. A lot of financial help is now being given to such ventures by the government,” Mr. Madhwaraj said. Sridhar Bhat welcomed the gathering. Khalandar Khan, Employment Officer, delivered the introductory remarks. Bhaskar Shetty S., college principal, presided over the inaugural function. Ramaraya Acharya proposed a vote of thanks. Srikrishna Rao Kodancha, President of Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jagadish, District Skill Development Officer, were present.