Question

What was the youth unemployment rate in rural areas of Kerala in 2023-24?

• A. A. 24.1%
• B. B. 10.2%
• C. C. 35.1%
• D. D. 56.6%

Answer 1

Answer:

C. C. 35.1%

Understanding Youth Unemployment in Rural Kerala (2023-24)

• The 35.1% figure indicates the youth unemployment rate in the rural areas of Kerala for the fiscal year 2023-24.

• Definition of Youth:

  • In the context of labour force surveys, "youth" typically refers to individuals within the 15-29 years age group, as per the standards set by organizations like the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

• Source of Data:

  • Such unemployment statistics are primarily compiled and disseminated through the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
  • The PLFS is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India.
  • PLFS is a vital source for crucial labour market indicators like the Unemployment Rate (UR), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), and Worker Population Ratio (WPR).

• The 'Kerala Paradox':

  • Kerala is widely recognized for its high achievements in Human Development Indicators (HDI), including high literacy rates, low infant mortality, and high life expectancy, a phenomenon often referred to as the "Kerala Model of Development."
  • Paradoxically, despite these advanced social indicators, Kerala consistently reports some of the highest unemployment rates in India, particularly among its educated youth. This persistent high unemployment alongside high HDI is termed the 'Kerala Paradox'.

• Contributing Factors to High Youth Unemployment in Kerala:

  • Limited Industrial Growth: Kerala's economy has historically relied less on a robust manufacturing sector and more on services and remittances from outside the state, limiting industrial job creation.
  • Skill Mismatch: There is often a disparity between the educational qualifications and skills acquired by the youth and the actual demands of the job market, especially in rapidly evolving sectors.
  • Preference for White-Collar Jobs: Many educated youth in Kerala show a strong inclination towards government or formal service sector jobs, often exhibiting reluctance towards manual labour, agricultural work, or entrepreneurship within the state.
  • High Wage Expectations: Youth in Kerala frequently have higher wage expectations than the average salaries offered by local industries or employers.

• Rural vs. Urban Employment Dynamics:

  • Rural areas often face more significant employment challenges due to the seasonal nature of agricultural work, limited availability of non-farm employment opportunities, and less diversified economic activities compared to urban centers.

• Government Initiatives (General):

  • Both central and state governments implement various schemes to address youth unemployment. These include skill development programs such as the Skill India Mission and Kerala's own Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP Kerala), as well as entrepreneurship promotion schemes and self-employment initiatives.
  • The Kudumbashree Mission, a pioneering poverty eradication and women empowerment program in Kerala, also plays a crucial role in fostering micro-enterprises and self-employment among women, indirectly impacting overall unemployment.