Migrant youth rue lack of education, job opportunities in Patna

PATNA: Hundreds of students, who have migrated from different districts of the state and are staying at small, rickety lodges in the city, hope the new government at the Centre provides quality education and jobs to them.
For years, Patna has been witnessing heavy inflow of young migrants, who mostly reside in areas like Rajendra Nagar, Boring Canal Road, Ashok Rajpath and Rajeev Nagar.They come here looking for better jobs and coaching facilities so that they can crack competitive examinations.
Vicenarian Randhir, who hails from Banka, has been residing in Patna for the last eight years. He said, "My father is a farmer and sends me Rs 6,000 every month for my expenses which include rent, coaching fees and groceries. I am left with no money by the mid of each month."
Asked about the reason for shifting from Banka to Patna, Randhir replied, "Banka lacks good educational institutes and teachers. The quality of education is poor."
Many students blame the local netas in their respective constituencies for the sorry situation. Munger resident Saksham Kumar, who is preparing for banking exams in Patna, exercised his franchise for the first time on April 29. "While holding public meets and rallies, our so-called leaders never talk about the issue of education. We trust and select them, but in return, they make false claims of developing the country," Saksham told this reporter.
Khushi Kumari, a native of Lakhisarai, shares a small hostel room on Boring Road with two other girls as her family's financial condition is not sound. She said, "Had there been good colleges in my region, my family would not have to spend so much money. Even after I complete my education, I am not sure if I'll get a good job."
Explaining the migratory pattern of students from different parts of the state, A N Sinha Institute of Social Sciences' economics department head D M Diwakar pointed out, "Migration of students from different parts of the state to Patna happens mainly because of the lack of quality education in their respective areas. Schools and colleges based in remote areas do not have teachers, which forces parents to send their kids to Patna."
The economist added, "Political parties are never seen taking up the issue of poor education. Had MPs paid heed to the need of good institutions, the issue of internal migration would never have come up in the first place."