According to projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is on track to surpass Japan and become the fourth-largest economy by 2025. However, despite impressive economic growth, a significant disparity remains in the labor market, especially among the youth. The latest data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) highlights these challenges.
Key Findings:
- The overall unemployment rate in India for 2023-24 has stagnated at 3.2%.
- Alarmingly, the youth unemployment rate stands at 10.2%, with males at 9.8% and females at 11%. The unemployment rate for women has increased from 2.9% to 3.2% in the past year.
States with the Highest Youth Unemployment Rates
The following states and union territories have been identified as having the highest youth unemployment rates for 2024, as per the PLFS data released on September 23, 2024. The figures reflect unemployment rates for individuals aged 15 to 29.
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Male Unemployed (%) | Female Unemployed (%) | Total Unemployed (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakshadweep | 26.2 | 79.7 | 36.2 |
| 2 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 24.0 | 49.5 | 33.6 |
| 3 | Kerala | 19.3 | 47.1 | 29.9 |
| 4 | Nagaland | 27.9 | 26.6 | 27.4 |
| 5 | Manipur | 19.9 | 27.5 | 22.9 |
| 6 | Ladakh | 11.4 | 38.3 | 22.2 |
| 7 | Arunachal Pradesh | 21.9 | 19.6 | 20.9 |
| 8 | Goa | 13.2 | 31.0 | 19.1 |
| 9 | Punjab | 16.7 | 24.5 | 18.8 |
| 10 | Andhra Pradesh | 16.4 | 19.7 | 17.5 |
In-Depth Analysis of Key States
- Lakshadweep: Leading the list, Lakshadweep has an overall youth unemployment rate of 36.2%, with an alarming 79.7% for females, compared to 26.2% for males.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: This union territory faces a youth unemployment rate of 33.6%, highlighting a significant disparity between genders.
- Kerala: Despite its high literacy rate, Kerala experiences a youth unemployment rate of 29.9%, particularly high for women at 47.1%.
- Nagaland: With a youth unemployment rate of 27.4%, Nagaland shows a more balanced distribution between male and female unemployment.
- Manipur: In Manipur, the youth unemployment rate is 22.9%, with females experiencing a higher unemployment rate than males.
- Ladakh: Ladakh’s youth unemployment rate stands at 22.2%, with females at 38.3%.
- Arunachal Pradesh: This state has a total unemployment rate of 20.9%, with male unemployment slightly higher than female.
- Goa: With a youth unemployment rate of 19.1%, Goa shows a significant gap between male and female unemployment.
- Punjab: Punjab’s unemployment rate is 18.8%, where women’s unemployment is notably high compared to men.
- Andhra Pradesh: Concluding the list, Andhra Pradesh has a youth unemployment rate of 17.5%, indicating a need for improved skills matching in the labor market.
Conclusion
These statistics underscore the pressing issue of youth unemployment in India, particularly among women. As the economy continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers to address these disparities and implement measures that promote inclusive job creation and skills development across the country.
