Educated Youth Bear Brunt of Unemployment, Highlighting Urgent Need for Policy Action
A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human Development (IHD) has shed light on the profound challenges of unemployment plaguing India, particularly among its youth population.
According to the India Employment Report 2024, released by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran, a staggering 83% of the country’s total unemployed population in 2022 comprised young Indians. This statistic underscores the severity of the unemployment crisis gripping the nation.
Moreover, the study highlighted a concerning trend of rising unemployment among educated youth, with the proportion increasing from 54% in 2000 to 66% in 2022. Notably, the disparity was more pronounced among educated women, with 76.7% facing unemployment compared to 62.2% of men, indicating a concentrated issue, particularly in urban areas.
The research also revealed fluctuating trends in youth employment and underemployment, with a decline observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Self-employment remained a dominant form of employment, although there was a notable shift towards regular jobs among employed youth.
Looking ahead, the report projected a significant addition of 7-8 million youths to India’s labor force in the next decade, further exacerbating the unemployment challenge.
To address this pressing issue, the report outlined five key policy areas:
- Promoting job creation
- Enhancing employment quality
- Addressing labor market inequalities
- Strengthening skills and active labor market policies
- Improving understanding of labor market dynamics and youth employment patterns
However, Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran cautioned against excessive reliance on government intervention, stressing the crucial role of the private sector in job creation.
The report’s findings have sparked criticism from opposition leaders, including Congress President Malliakrjun Kharge, who questioned the Modi government’s approach to tackling unemployment. As unemployment continues to shape the electoral narrative, it remains a pressing concern for policymakers and political parties alike.
