Question : Unemployment Rate

(a) whether there are concerns over the high unemployment rate in the country;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government is likely to come out with a fresh National Employment Policy (NEP) amid concerns over the high unemployment rate in the country;
(d) if so, the facts thereof;
(e) whether there is a need to bring clarity on what should be the outcome of the policy otherwise all plans will remain just that-plans; and
(f) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government to bring clarity on the outcome of the policy?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): As per the results of annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during 2017-18, the estimated unemployment rate for the persons aged 15 years and above on usual status (principal status + subsidiary status) basis to the extent available in the country was 6.0%.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government. Government has taken various steps for generating employment in the country like encouraging private sector of economy, fast-tracking various projects involving substantial investment and increasing public expenditure on various schemes.

(c) to (f): An Inter-Ministerial Committee was constituted to draft the National Employment Policy and consultations were held with various stakeholders in Ministries, State Governments, Trade Unions, Industry Associations, ILO etc. for inputs to the Policy.

The proposed policy inter-alia, purport to address macro-economic policy issues, sectoral policy issues, labour policy issues, micro and small enterprises’ issues, skill development issues, issues relating to women and vulnerable workers and incorporate suggestions for improving employment opportunities.
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