Question

In rural areas of Kerala (2023-24), what was the youth unemployment rate for males?

• A. A. 56.6%
• B. B. 22.2%
• C. C. 35.1%
• D. D. 15.9%

Answer 1

Answer:

B. B. 22.2%

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).