Dev Bhoomi Welcomes the Leaders, But the Youth Still Await Their Promised Future

-Shrey Awasthi

As Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra once again arrive in Himachal Pradesh — the revered Dev Bhoomi, a land known for its integrity, devotion, and dignity — they are received with warmth, respect, and curiosity. The mountains echo with the same question that lingers across towns and villages: What happened to the promises made to the youth in 2022?

In the last Assembly elections, the Congress leadership spoke of change — not incremental, but transformational. Their campaign resonated deeply with the young population of Himachal, who were promised a decade of empowerment, employment, and economic revival. The slogan of “10 Guarantees” was not merely a political strategy; it became a message of hope for thousands of graduates, aspirants, and families across the hill state.

Today, nearly three years later, that hope stands tested.

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The Unfulfilled Guarantees

The 2022 Congress manifesto carried ten guarantees — each one designed to touch a critical aspect of Himachal’s life: employment, education, healthcare, agriculture, and women’s welfare. The promise of one lakh government jobs became the most symbolic of them all, representing a direct assurance to the youth. But in practice, the commitment remains far from fulfilled.

Examination delays, irregular recruitments, and administrative backlogs have left many young citizens disillusioned. The state’s unemployment rate has continued to rise, and thousands of degree holders still wander from one office to another, uncertain about their future.

Similarly, while the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) was reintroduced, the financial sustainability of this decision continues to raise questions, with implications for the state’s fiscal stability. Apple growers, the backbone of Himachal’s rural economy, were promised fair prices and policy support, yet their concerns remain largely unaddressed.

Healthcare infrastructure, another area of focus, still struggles with uneven access and inadequate facilities in remote areas. The promise of transparency and good governance — a key expectation among educated youth — seems to have been overshadowed by internal political distractions and limited administrative momentum.

The Growing Distance Between Promise and Performance

It is natural for political promises to face challenges during implementation. However, what concerns the youth of Himachal is not merely delay but silence. The distance between words spoken in 2022 and actions visible in 2025 has created an atmosphere of distrust.

Himachal’s youth are among the most aware and educated in the country. They are not driven solely by emotion; they analyze, compare, and judge. For them, a “guarantee” is not a slogan —it is a contract. When such commitments remain unfulfilled, it affects not only political credibility but also the moral foundation of leadership.

The Congress, both in the state and at the national level, has historically positioned itself as a party of inclusion and progress. But progress demands delivery, not merely declarations. Before seeking a fresh mandate in 2027, the leadership must introspect — how many of the ten guarantees have truly transformed into tangible outcomes? How many youth have found employment or meaningful engagement through government support? How many promises have become policies, and how many remain speeches?

The Youth’s Silent Question

Travel across the districts — from Kangra to Mandi, from Hamirpur to Chamba — and one hears a quiet but persistent question: What next?

Young entrepreneurs who once planned start-ups under promised incentive schemes have grown skeptical. Students preparing for public sector jobs face repeated uncertainties. Farmers await better procurement mechanisms. The tourism sector, which could have been a key job generator, still lacks modern policy push.

This question — What next? — reflects not rebellion but fatigue. It is the fatigue of waiting, of hoping, of believing, and of being let down. The youth of Himachal are not demanding miracles; they are asking for measurable progress. They are asking their leaders to replace speeches with statistics, promises with proof.

Accountability Before New Assurances

Political courtesy demands that leaders visiting Himachal are welcomed respectfully — and they always will be. But political respect must now be accompanied by public accountability. The Congress leadership must realize that before launching new guarantees in 2027, it owes the people a transparent report card of the 2022 guarantees.

Such honesty would not weaken the party — it would strengthen democracy. The youth today do not expect perfection, but they expect truth. They seek acknowledgment of what has been achieved and what remains pending. They value integrity over rhetoric.

If the Congress truly believes in the spirit of Dev Bhoomi, it must respect the people’s faith by addressing their concerns openly. Accountability is not an act of weakness; it is the essence of leadership.

The Road to 2027: A Test of Trust

As 2027 approaches, the Congress will find itself facing not just an electoral challenge but a test of credibility. The people of Himachal — especially its youth — have long memories. They remember the speeches, the slogans, and the guarantees. More importantly, they remember the reality that followed.

The party that once spoke of transformation must now demonstrate results. The same energy that went into campaign rallies must now reflect in job creation, infrastructure, and policy execution. If the Congress fails to reconnect with the aspirations of its youth, it risks losing not just votes but the moral high ground it once claimed.

Conclusion: From Words to Work

Dev Bhoomi welcomes all with open arms, but it also holds its leaders to high standards. It is a land where faith and truth coexist. For Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the visit to Himachal is an opportunity — not merely to address crowds but to acknowledge commitments.

The youth of Himachal are ready to listen — but this time, they want more than promises. They want proof. They want policy. And above all, they want progress.

Only when words turn into work will the guarantees of 2022 find meaning, and only then will the Congress truly be able to face the people of Himachal with confidence in 2027.

Shrey Awasthi

Shrey Awasthi, who studied at HP University Business School, Shimla, is currently serving as the State Convenor of the Himachal Unemployed Youth Federation.