Kerala continues to have one of the highest youth unemployment rates in India, as revealed by the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July 2023-June 2024. The state’s youth unemployment rate for the 15-29 age group stands at 29.9%, with females facing a staggering 47.1% unemployment rate, compared to 19.3% among males.

In stark contrast, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat recorded the lowest youth unemployment rates in the country, while regions like Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and northeastern states also struggled with high joblessness. Nationally, the youth unemployment rate stands at 10.2%.

Key Factors Behind Kerala’s High Unemployment:

  1. Mismatch of Skills: There is a disconnect between job market requirements and the qualifications of job seekers.
  2. Job Market Limitations: The service sector cannot absorb the growing influx of graduates.
  3. Wage Expectations: Many educated youth overlook jobs that don’t meet their salary expectations.
  4. Migration Trends: A large number of Kerala’s youth prefer migrating abroad for better opportunities, further straining the local job market.

Addressing the crisis will require collaboration between policymakers, educational institutions, and the private sector to align education with market needs and create local employment opportunities.

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