India
has the largest reservoir of economically active age group population in the world. But due to unemployment a large proportion of
this age group is not economically active. According to a recent
report (October 2010) by Labour Bureau, in the 28 States/UTs surveyed, the
total population is estimated at 1182
million with 63.5 per cent population (751 million) in the working age group of
15-59 years. The worker population ratio is 325 persons per 1000 population at
the overall level and 465 in the working age population (i.e. 15-59 age
groups). Thus, out of the total
estimated population of 1182 million, 384 million constituted the
working population ( employed persons). The
unemployment rate in 2009-10 is estimated at 9.4 per cent at the overall level
as per the usual principal status. In the rural sector, the unemployment rate
is around 10 per cent, while in the urban areas the unemployment rate is about
8 percent persons out of 1000 persons in the labour force. Moreover, according to National Sample Survey Office
(NSSO), over half the country's workforce is self-employed and women receive
less pay than men for similar jobs. While 51% of the country's total workforce
is self-employed, only 15.5% are regular wagers or salaried employees and 33.5%
casual labourers. The number of people self-employed is higher in rural areas
at about 54.2%, against 41.4% in urban areas. Moreover, according to
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), over half the country's workforce is
self-employed and women receive less pay than men for similar jobs. While 51%
of the country's total workforce is self-employed, only 15.5% are regular
wagers or salaried employees and 33.5% casual labourers. Moreover, many of
those in the economically active age group lack skills. So skill development is the
need of the hour. All out efforts should be made to impart skill to the
youngsters.
Dr.C.Murukadas, Business Line, Sep 6, 2012