Does modernisation as a planning objective create a contradiction in the light of employment generation? Explain.
Modernisation as a planning objective does not contradict employment generation; rather modernisation and employment generation share a positive relationship in the long-run. Modernisation refers to the use of new and modern technology in the production process. This may make some people lose their jobs in the initial stages, as machines take place of men.
But gradually, the use of modern technology and input will raise productivity and consequently the income of the people, that will further raise the demand for goods and services. In order to fulfill this increased demand, more production output will be required and there will be more job opportunities, that will lead to higher employment in the economy. Even in the short-run, modernisation leads to the creation of employment opportunities for skilled workers. If vocational education and training are provided, it will lead to better employment in terms of quality of work and earnings.
Hence, both modernisation and employment generation are not contradictory but are complementary to each other.