Shiv Sena and National Hinduism

Gerard Heuze What is the Shiv Sena? Is it associated primarily with (he lack of proper jobs and (he distress of the youths? Who is prone to become a Shiv Sainik? What is the influence of these types of organisations upon the social set-up? Are they religious organisations? Do they represent a typical trend of the present political scene? Are they changing? What is their relationship with the Congress culture? These are a few questions which are sought to be answered by analysing some of the results of a recent field study [This article is published in two parts. The second part will appear next week.] INDIA'S labour market is subject to diverse interpretations. It is, however, certain that the unemployment problem is becoming increasingly crucial each year. Thirty-four million people (about 10 per cent of the active population) were registered with the 810 government employment exchanges at the end of 1991. However, it does not appear that all those listed are actually unemployed, for one can register simply in order to change employment. The figure more probably represents the dissatisfied, in addition to the unemployed who have left schools, secondary schools and even universities, although an increasing number of graduate wage earners is to be counted in the private sector.