Causes of Unemployment in Kerala, India: A Secondary Analytical Case Study

Abstract

Kerala, a state in southwest India, has a high Human Development Index (HDI) and slow economic growth, among other unique economic characteristics. Nonetheless, one of Kerala's biggest socioeconomic problems is unemployment, which is typified by a high rate of female unemployment and educated unemployment. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programs Implementation's most recent Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the state has the highest unemployment rate in the nation among those between the ages of 15 and 29, with a rate of 28.7 per cent compared to the national average of 10 per cent. This essay aims to clarify the causes of Kerala's unemployment, including the state's rapid population growth, sluggish economic expansion, inadequate educational system, and preference for white-collar jobs. Young people with high levels of education are also compelled to work at low-paying jobs due to a lack of suitable employment opportunities. despite the paradox of having the highest unemployment rate and, at the same time, having immigrant workers from other states. It comprises about 40 lakhs of manual labourers who are immigrants. Specifically, the state's unemployment causes brain drain, labour force migration, student migration, and the loss of human resources. This research paper tries provide crucial information regarding Kerala's unemployment rate from an economic perspective, which will aid in the introduction of focused policies that will promote long-term job growth. Secondary data from different official reports   are used for this study.