Question

What was the youth unemployment rate for females in urban areas of Kerala in 2023-24?

• A. A. 56.6%
• B. B. 37.0%
• C. C. 24.1%
• D. D. 22.2%

Answer 1

Answer:

B. B. 37.0%

Unemployment in Kerala: A Significant Challenge

• The figure of 37.0% represents a high youth unemployment rate for females in urban areas of Kerala in 2023-24, indicating a persistent challenge within the state's economic landscape.
• Kerala, despite its high literacy rates and excellent social development indicators often referred to as the 'Kerala Model,' faces the paradox of high unemployment, particularly among its educated youth and women.

Understanding the Data Source for Competitive Exams

• This kind of data is primarily collected through the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
• The PLFS is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India.
• It was launched in 2017 to provide more frequent labour force estimates for both rural and urban areas.

Key Terms and Indicators from PLFS

1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e., persons who are working or seeking/available for work) in the population.
2. Worker Population Ratio (WPR): It is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.
3. Unemployment Rate (UR): It is defined as the percentage of unemployed persons among the persons in the labour force.

Factors Contributing to High Female Youth Unemployment in Urban Kerala

• Skill Mismatch: A significant gap often exists between the skills acquired through education and the demands of the job market.
• Limited Industrial Growth: The state's industrial sector has historically struggled to generate sufficient employment opportunities, especially in the formal sector.
• Preference for Formal Jobs: Educated youth, particularly females, often aspire for formal, white-collar jobs, which are limited.
• Migration Trends: A considerable number of educated Keralites migrate within India and abroad for better job prospects due to limited opportunities within the state.
• Social and Cultural Norms: While changing, certain societal expectations can still influence women's participation in the labour force or limit their job choices.

The 'Kerala Model' and Unemployment Paradox

• The 'Kerala Model of Development' is characterized by high human development achievements (like health, education, and low poverty) but a slower pace of economic growth and industrialization.
• The high unemployment rate, especially among the educated, is a critical drawback of this model, prompting discussions on how to translate social progress into economic opportunities.
• Addressing this requires a focus on job creation, skill development aligned with market needs, and fostering entrepreneurship.