New Delhi, The recent breach of Parliament security has brought attention to the pressing issue of unemployment in India. Reports indicate that six individuals involved in the breach were protesting against various issues, with unemployment being a significant concern.
According to statements from five of the accused, their frustration stemmed from problems such as unemployment, farmers’ struggles, and the situation in Manipur. Notably, at least four of them were reportedly unemployed at the time of the incident.
One of the accused, Amol Shinde, who aspired to join the Army or police, was described as frustrated due to being jobless. Neelam, another accused, had an impressive educational background but struggled to secure employment, according to her family.
India’s Unemployment Numbers
In response to questions in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on December 11, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rameswar Teli, presented data indicating a declining trend in the country’s unemployment rate.
Unemployment Rate (in %):
– 2018-19: 5.8
– 2019-20: 4.8
– 2020-21: 4.2
– 2021-22: 4.1
– 2022-23: 3.2
Education-level-wise Unemployment:
– Not Literate: 0.2%
– Literate & up to Primary: 0.5%
– Middle: 1.7%
– Secondary: 2.2%
– Higher Secondary: 4.6%
– Diploma/Certificate course: 12.2%
– Graduate: 13.4%
– Post Graduate & above: 12.1%
– All: 3.2%
The data also reveals that while the unemployment rate among graduates was highest at 13.4% in 2022-23, the employment-to-population ratio increased to 56% in 2022-23, up from 52.6% in 2020-21.
Employment Among Youth
While the overall employment-to-population ratio is on the rise, the PLFS data indicates that only 40.1% of the population in the 15-29 age group were employed between July 2022 and June 2023. However, there is a decline in the youth unemployment rate from 17.8% in 2017-18 to 10% in 2022-23.
Gender-wise Unemployment
According to a reply in the Rajya Sabha on December 14, Teli stated that the estimated unemployment rate for women aged 15 and above declined over three years: 3.5% (2020-21), 3.3% (2021-22), and 2.9% (2022-23). The unemployment rate among urban women was higher at 7.5%.
As the nation grapples with these statistics, the issue of joblessness takes center stage, urging policymakers to address the underlying challenges.
