Kerala Dentists' Salaries Spark Debate Amidst Broader Youth Unemployment Concerns

A recent social media exchange has ignited a discussion about the financial realities faced by dentists in Kerala, particularly concerning entry-level salaries, and the broader economic challenges confronting young professionals in the state. The debate was initiated by a tweet from user "100M Malayalis 🗽🚃🏙 |🌴🐘🥇," who highlighted a disagreement with an individual, described as a "Malayali communist" in San Francisco, over claims that dentists in Kerala do not earn a monthly salary of ₹15,000.

"More Malayali communists denying reality, ofcourse this guy is in San Francisco.He is saying dentists don’t have salary of 15K pm in Kerala, and the people who point this are lying and dishonest. I think young working professionals don’t make the cut for working class solidarity," the tweet stated, questioning the inclusion of young professionals in traditional definitions of working-class solidarity.

While specific official statistics on entry-level dentist salaries in Kerala can vary, reports and anecdotal evidence suggest that fresh graduates and those starting their careers may indeed face lower incomes, with some figures indicating monthly earnings in the range of ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. This contrasts sharply with more experienced practitioners or those with established private practices, who typically command significantly higher salaries. The contentious ₹15,000 figure thus reflects a challenging economic reality for a segment of the dental profession.

The broader context for young professionals in Kerala reveals significant economic hurdles. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24, Kerala recorded a youth unemployment rate of 29.9% for the 15-29 age group, with female joblessness at 47.1% and males at 19.3%. This high unemployment rate is attributed to a mismatch between the skills of job seekers and market demands, limited local job opportunities, and high wage expectations among educated youth, leading many to seek opportunities outside the state.

Kerala's unique economic model, often lauded for its high social indicators, faces challenges in industrial growth and job creation, contributing to this paradox of educated unemployment. The state's reliance on remittances from its diaspora and a limited industrial base mean that many highly qualified individuals struggle to find suitable employment locally. This situation often leads to underemployment, where professionals are compelled to accept lower-paying jobs that do not align with their qualifications.

The online discussion underscores a persistent public discourse regarding economic conditions, professional compensation, and the evolving definition of socio-economic classes in India. The tweet's questioning of young working professionals' place within "working-class solidarity" highlights the complex nature of economic struggle, extending beyond traditional labor definitions to include educated segments facing underemployment and limited opportunities.