Why Young People Are Chasing Government Jobs and Politics for Easy Money

In today’s India, a growing number of young people are eyeing government jobs and political positions, but not for the reasons you might hope. It’s not about serving the nation or making a difference. Instead, it’s about securing a cushy life with minimal work, hefty perks, and a guaranteed paycheck—often at the expense of taxpayers. The Indian government spends over ₹400 crore annually on salaries, pensions, and benefits for MLAs and MPs alone. Add to that the allure of free housing, free travel, free electricity, free water, and a lifetime pension even after just five years of "service," and it’s no wonder why government jobs and politics have become a magnet for those looking to make money without breaking a sweat.

The Allure of Government Jobs: A Lazy Bum’s Paradise

Government jobs in India come with a reputation: once you’re in, you’re set for life. The security is unmatched—job stability, fixed hours, and a culture that rarely demands accountability. Unlike the private sector, where performance is scrutinized, government jobs often allow employees to coast along, doing the bare minimum. Young people see this and think, “Why slog in a high-pressure corporate job when I can get paid to sit around, sip chai, and push papers?”

The benefits are jaw-dropping. Government employees, from low-level clerks to high-ranking officials, enjoy perks that private-sector workers can only dream of. Subsidized housing, free utilities, and generous leave policies are standard. For elected officials like MLAs and MPs, it’s even better—free houses, free travel, and a pension for life after just one term. For a young person looking at the grind of the private sector, where layoffs loom and promotions depend on results, the government job looks like a golden ticket to an easy life.

Politics: The Ultimate Get-Rich-Quick Scheme

Politics takes this to another level. Becoming an MLA or MP isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. The financial rewards are staggering. Beyond the official salary, which is already substantial, politicians get allowances for everything—travel, housing, even office expenses that are rarely audited. A five-year term as an MLA or MP guarantees a pension for life, no matter how little you actually do. And let’s not forget the unofficial perks: influence, connections, and opportunities to make money through less-than-honest means.

For many young people, politics isn’t about public service—it’s about power and profit. The system rewards sycophancy and loyalty to party bosses over hard work or innovation. You don’t need a degree or skills; you just need to know the right people and say the right things. Once you’re in, the system protects you. Scandals might make headlines, but they rarely lead to real consequences. It’s a low-risk, high-reward game that’s hard to resist for someone who wants to get rich quick.

Why Young People Are Drawn to This Life

The math is simple. In the private sector, you might work 60-hour weeks, face constant pressure, and still struggle to afford a house in a city like Mumbai or Delhi. In contrast, a government job or a political position offers a comfortable life with minimal effort. The ₹400 crore taxpayers shell out every year for MLAs and MPs alone is a stark reminder of how much money flows through the system—money that funds lavish lifestyles for those who play the game.

Social media posts on X echo this sentiment. Many users point out that government jobs are seen as a “safe bet” for young people who want stability without the hustle. Others highlight how politics has become a family business, where dynasties pass down seats like heirlooms, ensuring wealth stays in the hands of a few. The system is rigged to favor those who are already connected, leaving little room for genuine public servants.

The Cost to the Nation

This obsession with government jobs and politics for personal gain comes at a steep cost. When young people prioritize easy money over meaningful work, innovation suffers. The private sector struggles to find talent, while government offices are filled with people who have little incentive to perform. Taxpayers bear the burden, funding salaries and perks for officials who often do little to justify their paychecks. The ₹400 crore spent on MLAs and MPs is just the tip of the iceberg—add in the cost of other government employees, and the bill runs into thousands of crores.

Worse, the culture of sycophancy in politics stifles progress. Young people entering politics aren’t learning how to solve problems; they’re learning how to please powerful leaders and secure their own slice of the pie. Public service becomes a façade, a way to justify personal enrichment while the nation’s challenges—poverty, infrastructure, education—take a backseat.

Breaking the Cycle

The system won’t change overnight, but the first step is recognizing the problem. Young people need to see that chasing government jobs or political positions for easy money is a dead end—not just for them, but for the country. We need to reward hard work, innovation, and genuine public service, not sycophancy and time-wasting. Transparency in how taxpayer money is spent, stricter accountability for government employees and politicians, and limits on perks like lifetime pensions could make these roles less attractive to those looking for a free ride.

For now, though, the lure of free houses, free travel, and a lifetime of benefits is too strong for many to resist. Until the system changes, young people will keep chasing government jobs and politics—not to serve, but to secure a life of comfort at the expense of the nation’s hardworking taxpayers.