Haryana's Unemployment Crisis

• 11 Sep 2024

Why in News? 

The high unemployment rate in Haryana, reflected in the Union government’s Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) survey, has become a focal point as the state approaches upcoming elections. 

Key Points 

• Unemployment Rate Trends:
  • PLFS for January-March 2024 shows urban unemployment for those above 15 years has decreased to 4.1%, down from 8.8% in 2023, and is now below the national average of 6.7%.
  • Contrast this with annual PLFS results for 2021-22, where Haryana’s unemployment rate was 9%, more than double the national rate of 4.1%.
    • Previous high unemployment attributed to global post-Covid economic slowdown affecting sectors like hospitality and aviation.
• Increase in Youth Migration:
  • Growing trend of Haryana youth emigrating for better opportunities due to lack of local job prospects.
  • Government jobs remain a top preference, but insufficient appointments have led to increasing emigration.
  • Demand for skilled workforce remains high, but government skill development programs are criticised for not meeting industry needs.
    • This calls for incentivizing industries for skill training and treating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the same importance as the agriculture sector for credit facilities.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Approximately 30,000 regular government jobs filled this year (2024), with a target of 50,000 jobs before the Assembly polls on 5th October, 2024.
  • “Mission 60,000” announced for youth employment in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families through various roles and training programs.
• New Projects:
  • Proposed Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motorcycle plants in Kharkhoda expected to generate around 15,000 direct jobs.
  • The government is emphasizing job creation through industrial projects and infrastructure development.