Top 10 Indian States With Highest Unemployment Rates


3. Jammu and Kashmir

The overall unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir is 6.7%, with a significant difference between male (4.2%) and female (10.4%) unemployment rates.

The region’s protracted conflict has hampered economic development, resulting in scarcity of jobs and a lack of investment in key sectors such as manufacturing and services.

To address these issues, the Jammu and Kashmir government is focusing on strengthening infrastructure and promoting tourism as a major economic driver.

Initiatives include developing pilgrim routes and adventure tourism to attract tourists.

In addition, efforts are being made to develop industrial zones and encourage entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance and training programs to equip young people with the skills required in different industries.

4. Ladakh

The unemployment rate in Ladakh is 5.6%, of which the male unemployment rate is 2.9% and the female unemployment rate is 9.7%.

The region’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, and traditional crafts; however, its harsh climate limits agricultural productivity and job creation.

The Ladakh government is formulating initiatives to promote tourism by promoting its unique cultural heritage and natural beauty.

There are also plans to develop infrastructure to support ecotourism and adventure sports, which could create more employment opportunities for locals.

Skills development programs have also been launched to prepare the workforce for emerging industries such as hospitality and crafts, aiming to increase local employment opportunities.

5. Himachal Pradesh

The overall unemployment rate in Himachal Pradesh is 6.2%, of which male unemployment rate is 3.9% and female unemployment rate is 8.6%.

The state’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism; however, seasonal employment patterns result in significant fluctuations in employment opportunities throughout the year.

To reduce unemployment, the Himachal Pradesh government is working to diversify the economy by promoting sectors such as information technology and renewable energy.

Initiatives include setting up industrial parks to attract investment while strengthening infrastructure for better connectivity.

In addition, skill development programs are being implemented to equip youth with necessary skills in various industries, including the hospitality industry, which will help stabilize employment throughout the year.

6. Arunachal Pradesh

The unemployment rate in Arunachal Pradesh is 6.5%, of which the male unemployment rate is 6.4% and the female unemployment rate is 6.5%.

The state’s economic activity is largely based on agriculture, but limited infrastructure hinders the growth of other sectors such as manufacturing or services.

The state government is actively working on improving road connectivity and promoting hydropower projects as part of its job creation strategy.

Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern technologies and practices, which can lead to more stable employment opportunities in rural areas.

Skill development programs have also been launched to develop local workforce for various emerging industries.

7. Meghalaya

The overall unemployment rate in Meghalaya is 6.6%, with male unemployment rate at 4.6% and female unemployment rate at 8.7%. The state faces challenges due to its reliance on agriculture and limited industrialization, resulting in insufficient job creation for its growing population.

In response, the Meghalaya government has launched several programs aimed at promoting employment through agriculture enhancement projects and tailor-made skill development initiatives for youth in sectors such as tourism and handicrafts.

There is also a focus on improving infrastructure to facilitate better access to markets for local products, while promoting ecotourism as a means of creating sustainable jobs.

8. Nagaland

Nagaland reported an overall unemployment rate of 7.8%, with male unemployment at 7.7% and female unemployment at 7.8%.

The state faces high unemployment due to limited industrial activity and reliance on subsistence farming.

To address these challenges, the Nagaland government is emphasizing on entrepreneurship development through various programs that provide financial assistance and training to small businesses.

In addition, the government is working to promote tourism by highlighting cultural heritage sites, which can create jobs in the hospitality industry, while also investing in vocational training programs aimed at providing young people with marketable skills.

9.Kerala

The overall unemployment rate in Kerala is 8.8%, with the male unemployment rate at 5.4% and the female unemployment rate significantly higher at 13.9%.

Although the state is known for its high literacy rate, it faces challenges due to a mismatch between educational outcomes and job market needs.

To address this challenge, the Kerala government has prioritized improving job readiness through industry-relevant skilling programmes. They also highlighted job opportunities in information technology, health care and tourism.

Efforts are also made to foster youth entrepreneurship through financial support programs aimed at encouraging start-ups in innovative fields

10. Goa

The overall unemployment rate in Goa is 8.9%, of which male unemployment rate is 5.5% and female unemployment rate reaches 17.3%.

The state’s economy relies heavily on tourism; however, seasonal fluctuations result in inconsistent employment opportunities throughout the year.

In response to high unemployment, the Goa government is working to diversify the economy by promoting industries such as information technology as well as traditional tourism initiatives aimed at attracting year-round visitors rather than just seasonal tourists.

Skill development programs for youth in hospitality management have also been launched while infrastructure to support these initiatives has been strengthened.

How do unemployment rates in rural areas of these states compare to urban areas?

In the state with the highest unemployment rate in India, there is a significant gap between urban and rural areas. Generally speaking, rural areas tend to have lower unemployment rates than urban areas.

For example, the unemployment rate in rural areas is usually around 5.3%, while the unemployment rate in urban areas is as high as 7.8% or higher, reflecting the huge gap in employment opportunities and economic opportunities between urban and rural areas.

Rural employment is mainly driven by agriculture and the informal sector that absorb surplus labor, while urban areas face challenges from increased competition and a mismatch between education and job market needs.

Despite lower unemployment rates, rural areas often experience underemployment and lower wages than urban areas, where jobs may be more formal but harder to come by.

What are the main reasons for higher unemployment rates in urban areas compared to rural areas?

Higher unemployment rates in urban areas compared to rural areas can be attributed to several key factors:

Oversupply of labor: Rapid rural-to-urban migration has led to an oversupply of labor in cities. This influx often results in more applicants than available positions, especially in low-skilled jobs, thereby increasing competition among immigrants and unemployment.

Skills mismatch: Urban areas often experience structural unemployment due to a mismatch between the skills possessed by workers and those required by industries. Many urban workers are either overqualified or lack the specific skills required for existing jobs, leading to rising unemployment.

The informal sector dominates: A large share of urban employment is in the informal sector, which is characterized by low wages and job insecurity. Workers often face precarious employment opportunities and are forced to accept jobs below their skill level due to a lack of formal employment options.

Economic Transformation: Urban areas often undergo economic transformation, which can lead to job losses in traditional sectors, while the creation of new jobs may not keep pace with population growth. This dynamic could exacerbate unemployment as workers struggle to adapt to changing industry demands.

Qualification inflation: Overemphasis on academic qualifications may result in individuals who are overqualified for available jobs, resulting in underemployment or unemployment.

Related Stories | Growing unemployment problem: What does the India Jobs Report 2024 suggest?