What is Unemployment?

Unemployment occurs when individuals who are capable of working, are actively seeking work but are unable to find any suitable employment. It is a major socio-economic issue, as it not only affects the well-being of individuals but also slows down a country’s overall economic growth.

Main Causes of Unemployment in India

There are several causes of unemployment in India, including:

• Population Growth: The increasing population in India leads to a higher number of people entering the job market each year, creating a gap between the demand and supply of jobs.
• Lack of Skill Development: Many individuals lack the necessary skills and qualifications required by the modern job market, leading to a mismatch between the available jobs and the skills of job seekers.
• Slow Economic Growth: Economic factors like slow industrial growth and insufficient investment in infrastructure can limit the creation of new jobs.
• Technological Changes: Automation and the rise of artificial intelligence can lead to job displacement, especially in traditional sectors like manufacturing.
• Seasonal and Underemployment: A large portion of India’s workforce is engaged in seasonal or informal work, which does not provide stable employment throughout the year.

Make in India

Make in India is an initiative launched in 2014 to encourage both domestic and foreign companies to manufacture products in India. Its main objectives are:

• To promote industrialization and boost manufacturing in sectors like electronics, textiles, and automobiles.
• To create millions of new jobs, reduce unemployment, and increase India’s share in global manufacturing.

Illustration: A company setting up a manufacturing plant in India can create direct employment in production and indirect jobs in supply chains, transport, and services.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign)

Launched in 2020, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan focuses on making India self-reliant by improving local manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening the economy. The objectives include:

• Supporting local businesses and industries.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Boosting key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Illustration: The campaign aims to boost the local production of medical equipment, thereby reducing India’s dependence on imports and creating employment opportunities in these sectors.

In conclusion, addressing unemployment in India requires a combination of skill development, industrial growth, and government initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to boost job creation and make India more self-reliant.