Question

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

• A. A. 15.9%
• B. B. 22.2%
• C. C. 37.0%
• D. D. 24.1%

Answer 1

Answer:

A. A. 15.9%

Understanding Youth Unemployment in Kerala

• Youth unemployment typically refers to the percentage of the labour force aged 15-29 years who are unemployed. This age group is a standard definition used by agencies like the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

• Data on employment and unemployment statistics, including youth unemployment rates, are primarily gathered through nationwide surveys such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India.

• For the period overlapping with 2023-24, the youth unemployment rate for males in the urban areas of Kerala was noted to be 15.9%. This figure indicates specific challenges faced by young urban males in securing employment within the state.

Kerala's Unemployment Scenario and the 'Kerala Model'

• Kerala often records higher unemployment rates compared to the national average, a phenomenon extensively analyzed within the framework of the 'Kerala Model of Development'.

• The Kerala Model is distinguished by its high social development indicators, such as literacy, health, and life expectancy, often achieved with relatively modest economic growth rates and significant levels of out-migration.

Factors Contributing to Unemployment in Kerala:

• High Educational Attainment: Despite having a highly educated workforce, Kerala faces a significant mismatch between the skills imparted through education and the demands of the local job market. Many educated youth prefer white-collar jobs, leading to underemployment or unemployment in traditional sectors.

• Limited Industrialization: The state has historically experienced slower growth in large-scale industrial and manufacturing sectors, which are crucial for absorbing a substantial portion of the labour force.

• Preference for Public Sector and Gulf Jobs: A strong inclination towards stable government employment or lucrative opportunities in Gulf countries often diverts skilled labour, thereby reducing the availability of workforce for local private sector jobs.

• Impact of Remittances: Substantial remittances from non-resident Keralites can sometimes alleviate the immediate economic pressure for local employment among some households.