What is Unemployment?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Measured by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- 2.
Unemployment rate is the percentage of unemployed people in the labor force
- 3.
Types of unemployment: frictional, structural, cyclical, seasonal, disguised
- 4.
Causes of unemployment: lack of skills, economic slowdown, technological changes, population growth
- 5.
Government schemes to address unemployment: MGNREGA, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), PMKVY
- 6.
Impact of unemployment: poverty, social unrest, loss of human capital, reduced economic growth
- 7.
Policies to reduce unemployment: skill development, infrastructure development, promotion of entrepreneurship, labor reforms
- 8.
Role of private sector in job creation
Visual Insights
Understanding Unemployment
Mind map illustrating the types, causes, consequences, and measures to address unemployment.
Unemployment
- ●Types
- ●Causes
- ●Consequences
- ●Measures to Address
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncrease in unemployment due to COVID-19 pandemic
Focus on digital jobs and gig economy
Emphasis on self-employment and entrepreneurship
Government initiatives to promote job creation in various sectors
Debate on the quality of employment and underemployment
This Concept in News
2 topicsOpposition Criticizes Centre on Inequality, 'Atmosphere of Fear' During Budget Debate
12 Feb 2026This news highlights the critical link between government policy, economic performance, and unemployment. (1) The opposition's concerns demonstrate how unemployment is a key indicator of economic well-being and a measure of government effectiveness. (2) The news challenges the government to address structural issues contributing to unemployment, such as skill gaps and lack of investment in job-creating sectors. (3) The debate reveals the need for more comprehensive and effective employment generation strategies. (4) The implications of this news are that the government must prioritize policies that promote inclusive growth and create sustainable employment opportunities. (5) Understanding unemployment is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the framework for evaluating the government's economic policies and their impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Without understanding the complexities of unemployment, it's impossible to assess the validity of the opposition's claims or the government's responses.
West Bengal advances allowance scheme launch for unemployed youth
11 Feb 2026This news highlights the issue of unemployment, specifically among educated youth in West Bengal. The allowance scheme is a short-term measure to provide some financial relief. However, it doesn't address the root causes of unemployment, such as lack of skills or job opportunities. This news event applies the concept of unemployment in practice by showing how a state government is trying to deal with its consequences. The news reveals the challenges of providing social security to a large number of unemployed individuals. The implications of this news for the concept's future are that such schemes may become more common if unemployment rates remain high. Understanding the concept of unemployment is crucial for analyzing this news because it allows us to assess the effectiveness of the scheme and its potential impact on the state's economy. It also allows us to consider alternative solutions to address the underlying causes of unemployment, such as promoting skill development and creating more job opportunities.