Government Initiatives for Employment Generation

Abstract

India's unique growth trajectory, where the service sector has bypassed manufacturing, poses significant employment challenges. This paper examines unemployment in India, using National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) definitions and data. Unemployment is defined as a situation where a person capable of working does not find employment at the existing wage rate. NSSO's three measures of estimating unemployment - usual status, weekly status, and current/daily status - provide a comprehensive picture. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017-18 reports a four-decade high unemployment rate of 6.1%, with urban areas at 7.8% and rural areas at 5.3%. The labor force participation rate has also declined. We analyze the government's initiatives to reduce unemployment over the last five years and explore new emerging areas of employment. Our study highlights the need for policy interventions to address India's unemployment challenges and promote inclusive economic growth.