In rural areas of Kerala (2023-24), what was the youth unemployment rate for males?
AA. 56.6%
BB. 22.2%
CC. 35.1%
DD. 15.9%
Answer:
B. B. 22.2%
Read Explanation:
Understanding Youth Unemployment in Kerala (Rural Males, 2023-24)
- Youth Unemployment Rate: The figure of 22.2% represents the proportion of unemployed male youth (typically aged 15-29 years) among the total male youth labor force in rural areas of Kerala during the 2023-24 period. This indicates a significant challenge in terms of job creation and employability for young men in the state's rural sector.
Key Facts on Unemployment:
- Labour Force: It comprises all persons who are working (employed) and those who are not working but are available for and seeking work (unemployed).
- Unemployment Rate (UR): Calculated as the percentage of unemployed persons in the labour force. It is a crucial indicator of the health of the economy.
Kerala Model and Unemployment Paradox:
- The Kerala Model of Development is renowned for its achievements in social indicators like education, healthcare, and human development, often surpassing other Indian states and even some developed nations.
- However, a long-standing paradox of the Kerala Model has been the presence of high unemployment rates, especially educated unemployment, despite high literacy and educational attainment. This is often attributed to a mismatch between the skills acquired and the available job opportunities, as well as a preference for white-collar jobs.
Factors Contributing to Youth Unemployment in Kerala:
- Limited Industrial Growth: Kerala's economy has historically not seen robust growth in the manufacturing sector, which is a major job creator.
- Preference for Government Jobs/Overseas Employment: Many educated youth aspire for stable government jobs or opportunities abroad, leading to a smaller pool of applicants for private sector or blue-collar jobs within the state.
- Skill Mismatch: There can be a disconnect between the curriculum taught in educational institutions and the skills demanded by industries.
- Automation and Technological Advancements: These can reduce the need for manual labour in some sectors, affecting employment.
Data Source for Unemployment Statistics:
- Unemployment data in India is primarily collected and published by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a key survey conducted by NSSO to estimate various labour force indicators, including the unemployment rate, at national, state, and regional levels (rural/urban). The 2023-24 figure would likely be derived from PLFS reports.
Government Initiatives to Address Unemployment:
- Both central and state governments implement various schemes to boost employment, such as skill development programs (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana - PMKVY), entrepreneurship promotion schemes, and rural employment guarantee programs (e.g., MGNREGA in rural areas).