A recent report released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Institute of Human Development (IHD), has shed light on Kerala’s challenging male employment conditions, ranking the state among the lowest in the nation, with only Bihar and Odisha faring worse.
The India Employment Report 2024 constructed an Index of Employment Conditions, consolidating seven key indicators of the labor market for both males and females to rank Indian states accordingly.
A detailed analysis revealed Kerala’s male employment landscape to be particularly concerning, primarily characterized by two significant factors — notably higher unemployment rates among educated males aged 15-29, and low male youth engagement in employment, education, or training.
According to the ILO report, Kerala ranks 19th out of 22 states in the employment of educated males aged 15-29 with secondary or higher education, with a staggering 31.28 percent unemployment rate compared to the national average of 20.28 percent.
The employment condition index considers various parameters such as formal work, casual work, self-employment, earnings, and unemployment rates among educated youths. Kerala’s high percentage of male casual workers and low male workforce participation have adversely affected its male employment condition index. However, the state’s higher wages for casual workers suggest better quality employment compared to other regions.
Despite concerns over low employment rates among educated youths in Kerala, attributed to factors like inadequate education, lack of employable skills, and a preference for white-collar jobs, the report highlights a broader mismatch between employment aspirations and available opportunities in the labor market.
Furthermore, Kerala’s young males rank lowest among 22 states in engagement in employment, education, or training, with approximately 19.26 percent categorized as not in employment, education, or training (NEET), indicating a lack of economic productivity.
The report underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the mismatch between employment aspirations and market opportunities, as well as to enhance skill development and promote sustainable job creation in Kerala.
