In the intricate landscape of urban unemployment in India, the latest insights from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) have unveiled notable trends, with Himachal Pradesh emerging at the forefront. The state has recorded a striking 33.9% unemployment rate among individuals aged 15-29, positioning it as a focal point for understanding the challenges faced by the youth in urban employment.
Following closely behind, Rajasthan showcases a substantial urban unemployment rate of 30.20% within the same age bracket. This places both states significantly above the national average of 17.3% for the specified quarter, indicating a nuanced regional perspective in the employment landscape.
Delving deeper into the data, Himachal Pradesh stands out for its pronounced gender-specific unemployment dynamics. The PLFS data reveals a staggering 49.2% unemployment rate among urban females in the 15-29 age group during the July-September quarter. In stark contrast, males in the state contend with a 25.3% unemployment rate, emphasizing the gender-based disparities in employment opportunities.
Similarly, Rajasthan mirrors this trend, reporting a substantial urban female unemployment rate of 39.4%, significantly higher than the 27.2% unemployment rate among males in the same age group during the specified quarter. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to address gender-specific challenges in the employment sector.
Jammu & Kashmir is also spotlighted in the PLFS data, revealing a noteworthy urban unemployment rate of 29.8% within the 15-29 age group. Further dissecting the statistics, the data discloses a substantial gender gap, with females experiencing a substantial 51.8% unemployment rate compared to their male counterparts, who face a comparatively lower 19.8% unemployment rate during the July-September quarter.
On a national scale, the urban unemployment average for the 15-29 age group stands at 17.3%, as per the Current Weekly Status (CWS) with a reference period of the last 7 days preceding the survey. This becomes even more significant when considering the specific breakdown for females, who report a 15.5% unemployment rate during the same period.
Among the surveyed states, Gujarat emerges as an outlier with the lowest unemployment rate at 7.1%, closely followed by Delhi at 8.4% in the 15-29 age group during the July-September quarter. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the varied employment scenarios across different states.
The NSSO’s PLFS, initiated in April 2017, continues to serve as a pivotal tool for comprehending and addressing employment challenges. The latest bulletin for the quarter ending September 2023 offers a nuanced perspective on urban unemployment, providing policymakers and analysts with crucial data for informed decision-making.