A comprehensive report jointly conducted by the International Labour Organisation and the Institute of Human Development has brought to light concerning revelations about the state of youth unemployment in India. Released on March 26, the report paints a grim picture, indicating that a staggering eight out of every ten unemployed individuals in the country are young people.
One of the most striking findings of the report is the significant surge in the proportion of educated youngsters among the unemployed cohort. Over the span of the past two decades, the share of educated youth holding secondary or higher education qualifications has nearly doubled, escalating from 35.2% in 2000 to a staggering 65.7% in 2022. This dramatic rise underscores the growing challenge faced by educated youth in securing gainful employment despite acquiring higher levels of education.
Furthermore, the report delves into the intricate dynamics of India’s labour force participation rate (LFPR), revealing a troubling deterioration between 2000 and 2018. Although there has been a marginal improvement noted since 2019, the overall trend remains a cause for concern, indicating systemic challenges in job creation and economic opportunities for the youth.
In addition to unemployment woes, the report sheds light on the glaring digital literacy gaps prevalent among Indian youth. As of 2021, a significant portion of the country’s youth lacks fundamental information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Shockingly, three out of four young Indians struggle with basic tasks such as sending an email with an attached file, while a staggering nine out of ten are unable to perform essential digital functions like using arithmetic formulae in spreadsheets, creating PowerPoint presentations, or writing computer programs.
The study also highlights stark disparities in digital literacy among different social groups, with Scheduled Tribes youth exhibiting the lowest levels of computer-related abilities, followed by Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes.
As India grapples with these multifaceted challenges, policymakers and stakeholders are urged to address the root causes of youth unemployment and digital exclusion, ensuring inclusive economic growth and opportunities for all segments of society.
A recent report has unveiled alarming disparities in employment and wages between men and women, underscoring the pressing issue of gender inequality in India’s workforce.
According to the findings, released in 2022, there exists a staggering gap between men and women in terms of employment and wages. Shockingly, 28.5% of youth were found to be not employed in education, employment, or training. Of this staggering figure, 9.8% were men, while a staggering 48.4%—five times as many—were women. This vast difference highlights the systemic barriers faced by women in accessing employment opportunities and participating in the workforce.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on the significant disparities in wages between men and women. On average, a regular salaried man earned Rs. 20,000 per month, whereas a regular salaried woman earned a significantly lower amount of Rs. 15,300 per month. Similarly, in the self-employment sector, the wage gap is stark. While a self-employed man earned approximately Rs. 13,400 per month, a self-employed woman earned only one-third as much, amounting to Rs. 5,400 per month. These figures underscore the pervasive gender wage gap prevailing in India, with women consistently earning less than their male counterparts across various employment sectors.
As India strives towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in the workforce, addressing these disparities in employment and wages is imperative. Policymakers, employers, and society at large must take concerted efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and create inclusive workplaces that ensure equal opportunities and fair compensation for all genders. Only through collective action can India overcome the staggering gender gap and create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
Amidst the looming specter of joblessness, the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections are poised to be influenced significantly, as per findings from a Lokniti CSDS Survey conducted among the youth in Delhi.
Published last month, the survey sheds light on the palpable concerns among young voters, with nearly four out of every five youngsters expressing that the issues of unemployment and inflation would weigh heavily on their voting decision, as reported by The Hindu.
These findings underscore the gravity of the unemployment crisis gripping the nation, particularly among the younger demographic, and highlight its potential to sway electoral outcomes. As political parties gear up for the electoral battle, addressing the pressing issue of joblessness is likely to feature prominently on their agendas, as they seek to resonate with youth voters and address their concerns effectively.
In a noteworthy assertion, the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) has cautioned against the assumption that the government alone can resolve the issue of unemployment. This stance comes amid escalating concerns over joblessness, highlighted in recent reports.
Not surprisingly, political parties have swiftly responded to the pressing issue of jobless youth brought to light by the report. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remarked, “We are sitting on a ‘ticking bomb’ of joblessness!” Rahul Gandhi, echoing this sentiment, pledged to address the problem of jobless youth through various incentives if the Congress is entrusted with power in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
As the nation grapples with the daunting challenge of unemployment, these remarks underscore the urgency for comprehensive policy measures and collective action to tackle the issue effectively. While the government plays a pivotal role, it is evident that a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders is imperative to address the multifaceted dimensions of the unemployment crisis.
During the release of the report on unemployment in India, Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran cautioned against the misconception that the government holds the sole responsibility for resolving all social and economic challenges.
Describing this statement as a “startling confession,” senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram reacted strongly, asserting, “If that is the official stand of the BJP government, we must boldly tell the BJP to vacate their seat.”
The CEA’s remarks underscore a broader debate about the role of government in addressing unemployment and social issues. While the government plays a crucial role, there is a growing recognition of the need for a holistic approach involving various stakeholders to effectively tackle complex challenges like unemployment.
Sources: thequant.com