Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 December 2024
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 Annual Report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, shows a troubling unemployment rate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly among graduates. The unemployment rate for individuals in the region has increased overall, with the rate for graduates remaining significantly high. A detailed comparison with the PLFS 2022-23 Annual Report highlights shifts in unemployment trends, particularly across different educational categories.
Unemployment Rate Analysis for 2023-24:
According to Table 24 from the PLFS 2023-24 Annual report, the unemployment rate (UR) for individuals aged 15 years and above across various educational categories in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is as follows:
– Not literate: The unemployment rate stands at 2.6% (higher than the national average of 0.2%).
– Literate and up to primary: The rate is 1.6% (compared to the national average of 0.6%).
– Middle education: The unemployment rate is 4.1%.
– Secondary education: Unemployment spikes to 12.2%.
– Higher secondary education: A further increase to 18.6%.
– Diploma/Certificate holders: The unemployment rate is 7.9%.
– Graduate level: Graduate unemployment reaches 33.4%, significantly higher than the national average of 13.0%.
– Postgraduate and above: The rate is 13.4%, still high but lower than for graduates.
Comparison with 2022-23 PLFS Annual Report:
To understand how the unemployment landscape has changed, we compare the data with Table 13 from the PLFS 2022-23 Annual report:
– Not literate: The unemployment rate was 0% in 2022-23, rising to 2.6% in 2023-24.
– Literate and up to primary: The rate was 2.2% in 2022-23 and has decreased to 1.6% in 2023-24.
– Middle education: From 3.0% in 2022-23 to 4.1% in 2023-24.
– Secondary education: The unemployment rate increased from 7.6% in 2022-23 to 12.2% in 2023-24.
– Higher secondary education: The rate rose from 13.2% in 2022-23 to 18.6% in 2023-24.
– Diploma/Certificate holders: A slight increase from 5.5% in 2022-23 to 7.9% in 2023-24.
– Graduate level: The unemployment rate remained nearly the same, with 33.0% in 2022-23 and 33.4% in 2023-24.
– Postgraduate and above: A small increase from 12.8% in 2022-23 to 13.4% in 2023-24.
Sample Size and Data Integrity:
The data is based on a statistically robust sample, ensuring reliability and accuracy. The PLFS includes both rural and urban households across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offering a representative snapshot of the labour market in the region.
Implications and Conclusion:
The increasing unemployment rates, especially for graduates, remain a significant concern. The graduate unemployment rate at 33.4% in 2023-24 remains alarmingly high compared to the national average of 13.0%. This suggests that the region faces a severe challenge in integrating its educated youth into the workforce.
These findings underline the urgent need for policymakers to address the educational mismatch in the labour market. Enhanced vocational training, skill development programs, and policies aimed at improving job creation are critical to mitigating these unemployment challenges and improving the prospects for the region’s youth.
Summary:
– Graduate unemployment is a key issue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a staggering 33.4% rate in 2023-24.
– Overall unemployment has increased to 11.8% in 2023-24 from 9.7% in 2022-23.
– The region lags behind national averages in several educational categories, with secondary and higher secondary levels showing the most significant increase in unemployment rates.