India has also been plagued by unemployment crisis with the unemployment rate among 15 years old and above remaining at 4.8 per cent for December last year.
Share
One of the most pressing challenges the world faces today is unemployment, and it is expected to remain unsolved for now. The global unemployment rate is projected to stay at 4.9 per cent, which equivalent to 186 million people, in 2026, according to the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Wednesday. It went on to say that nearly 300 million workers continue to live in extreme poverty, while 2.1 billion workers are expected to hold informal jobs by this year. As for the youth, the unemployment rate climbed to 12.4 per cent in 2025, with around 260 million of them not in education, employment or training (NEET), it continued, adding that those from low-income countries could be affected more. Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has also been plagued by unemployment crisis. As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among 15 years old and above for the month of December last year was 56.1 per cent, showing a marginal increase from 55.8 per cent in the previous month. The unemployment rate for the same age category is estimated at 4.8 per cent for December, compared to 4.7 per cent in November.
The employment scenario in Nagaland is also precarious, with the LFPR estimated at 56 per cent and the unemployment rate at 16.07 per cent, as per the Directorate of Economics & Statistics survey released in September last year. About 58 per cent of respondents had cited lack of employment opportunities as the main reason for unemployment. The overwhelming response to the recently concluded Nagaland Police Open Recruitment Rally, which attracted over 30,000 aspirants for 1,176 constable positions, reflects both the employment situation in the state and the enthusiasm of the youth in their search for stable jobs. Two contrasting views have emerged within the political circle, with the centre claiming that the country has witnessed significant job growth over the past decade, while the Opposition and critics argue that employment opportunities have not been created. However, it is evident from available data that India has failed to generate enough jobs for the youth. Instead of denying this reality, the government should acknowledge the crisis and implement tangible measures, such as promoting entrepreneurship and investing in skill development, to tackle this pressing issue. Turning a blind eye to a crisis of this magnitude can have serious consequences. When people's livelihoods are threatened, social unrest and uprisings can occur, as evidenced by recent events in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and now in Iran.