Trends and Patterns of Educated Unemployed Youth in North East India

Trends and Patterns of Educated Unemployed Youth in North East India

Presented at VV Giri National Labour Institute, Noida

29th March 2012 

By Dr. Marchang Reimeingam

 Abstract: This paper examines the various issues of labour such as employment in different sectors and educated unemployment among the youth in both rural and urban areas based on the Census and National Sample Survey (NSS) data in the North East India covering the recent period. In addition, the work force participation rates (WPR) is examine that are the basis of the study of unemployment in general and educated unemployed youth in particular. Based on the available census data the author estimates the various rates like the WPR and unemployment rate for all ages (i.e. general), youth and educated. The result of the census data are broadly compared with the NSS data. To an extent the study on educated youth employment and unemployment is substantiated and validated by a primary field survey data pertaining to the migrants from Ukhrul district of North Eastern Region (NER) to NCT Delhi.

Despite the manpower planning and many efforts to increase employment opportunities many people remain unemployed due to an inadequacy, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in planning coordination between the physical manpower and the financial goals in the region. The increase in youth population and the literate persons in general and the educated persons in particular amidst the limited openings of jobs suitable with their educational attainment itself originated the problem of educated youth unemployment. This phenomenon resulted people to migrate from this region to other region like Delhi in search of job. The region’s WPR has declined for the youth due to the increase in search of higher education and more formal and salaried job. The increase in the share of employment in tertiary sector partially explains the situation. Both the general and educated youth unemployment problems are more severe in NER as compared to the national average because of the higher prevalence of unemployment rates in the region.