Introduction
Employment refers to people having jobs and earning income. Unemployment means people who want to work but cannot find jobs. In India, employment trends have changed over time due to population growth, education, technology, and economic changes. Understanding these trends helps in making better policies and solving the unemployment problem.
Trends in Employment in India
1. Shift from Agriculture to Services
Earlier, most people worked in agriculture. But now, many are moving to the service sector (like IT, banking, health care, etc.) and industry. This shows modernization but also creates challenges for unskilled rural workers.
2. Rise in Informal Sector
India has a large informal sector—like street vendors, daily wage laborers, and small shopkeepers. These jobs don’t offer job security or social benefits, but they provide income for many.
3. Growth of Self-Employment
Many people are working for themselves by starting small businesses like shops, tailoring, food carts, or farming. Government schemes like Mudra loans encourage this.
4. Increase in Female Workforce
More women are getting educated and entering the workforce. However, female participation is still low compared to men due to social and cultural factors.
5. Rise of Gig and Platform Jobs
New types of jobs like delivery agents, cab drivers (Ola/Uber), and freelancers are growing due to apps and online platforms.
Trends in Unemployment in India
1. Youth Unemployment
Many young people, even after completing higher education, are unable to find suitable jobs. This is a serious problem.
2. Educated Unemployment
People with degrees remain jobless due to lack of skills or mismatch between education and job market needs.
3. Seasonal Unemployment
This is common in agriculture where work is available only during certain seasons.
4. Disguised Unemployment
This happens when more people are working on a task than needed, especially in rural areas. Even without full work, people appear employed.
5. Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic led to job losses, especially in construction, transport, and tourism. Many migrant workers had to return to villages.
Government Efforts to Improve Employment
- MGNREGA: Provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in rural areas.
- Skill India Mission: Offers training to youth in different skills.
- Startup India: Encourages youth to start their own businesses.
- Make in India: Aims to create jobs in manufacturing.
Challenges
- Lack of skills and training.
- Population growth creates more job seekers every year.
- Slow growth in industries and manufacturing.
- Automation and machines replacing human jobs.
Conclusion
India is going through big changes in employment and unemployment. While new job types are emerging, many people still face challenges in getting quality jobs. Focus on education, skill development, women’s employment, and support to small businesses is key. Social workers can guide and support unemployed people by connecting them with training, loans, and government schemes.