The All Assam Unemployed Association on Monday asked Dispur to revive decaying industries of the state, including Jagiroad and Cachar Paper Mills, hoping that such a move will help reduce the number of unemployed youths in the state.

Staging protests at Dispur Last Gate here, the association’s general secretary, Jiban Rajkhowa, said, “Reviving decaying industries, besides setting up of new, medium and small-scale industries can only help the state government reduce the rate of unemployment in the state.”

Stressing that according to the state government’s own record, the number of unemployed youths stands at 26 lakh in the state, Rajkhowa said, “However, as of today, the number of unemployed youths is more than 50 lakh. Therefore, we demand immediate setting up of new industries in the state.”

The association submitted a memorandum addressed to chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal demanding priority in recruitment for the local youths, both in the central as well as state government departments.