India Unemployment Rate: Disparities in Youth Joblessness Revealed

State-Wise Unemployment Rate Analysis

The recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has shed light on the youth unemployment landscape in India. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have emerged as the frontrunners, boasting the lowest reported youth unemployment rates, while Kerala experiences one of the highest.

Examining the Youth Unemployment Figures

According to the PLFS, Madhya Pradesh recorded an impressive low in youth unemployment rates, followed closely by Gujarat. In stark contrast, Kerala faces a concerning youth unemployment rate of 29.9%. This troubling statistic includes alarming figures, such as a staggering 47.1% unemployment rate for young females and 19.3% for males.

• Nationwide youth unemployment stands at 10.2%
• Female unemployment slightly higher at 11% than male at 9.8%
• UTs like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands report the highest youth unemployment at 36.2% and 33.6%

Wider Implications of Unemployment Rates

The data further illustrates that youth joblessness is particularly pronounced in urban areas, with an unemployment rate of 14.7%, compared to 8.5% in rural regions. Specifically, female unemployment is a pressing issue in urban India, with a rate of 20.1% against 8.2% in rural areas. As India's economy continues to grow, the challenge remains for policymakers to create ample job opportunities for young individuals.

In Summary: Unemployment Rates and Youth Job Creation

Overall, India's unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above held steady at 3.2% during the 2023-24 period. However, female unemployment has seen a slight rise, prompting urgent discussions surrounding employment strategies moving forward.