Economist Surjit Bhalla, former PM advisor, says the real issue isn’t lack of jobs; it’s lack of *the right kind* of jobs. While salaried roles for 25-54 year olds are growing faster than ever since 2004, graduates aged 15-29 are stuck in self-employment or casual work. Only 7% land permanent salaried jobs within a year. The system isn’t broken; it’s mismatched. Gen Z isn’t lazy; they’re demanding dignity in work. And if India ignores this, the protests won’t stop; they’ll grow. The economy’s working... just not for its future.