Why India's Unemployment Rate is a Cause for Concern

Why India's Unemployment Rate is a Cause for Concern

In recent years, the unemployment crisis among engineering graduates in India has reached alarming levels. In 2022, the employability rate of engineering graduates in the country was only 55%[2]. Despite an increase from 47% in 2021, the overall employability of Indian youth has remained stagnant, leading to a terrifying prospect for young engineers struggling to find their footing in the job market.

A shocking 48% of engineering students are left unemployed[3], according to NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar. The root cause of this dire situation can be traced to the stagnation in higher education, where outdated curriculum and inadequate infrastructure fail to prepare graduates for the demands of the modern workforce.

The struggle to find employment is not limited to engineering graduates. India's overall unemployment rate remained over 7% for most of 2021[1]. Cases such as Jitendra Maurya, a law graduate who applied for a driver's job, exemplify the desperation faced by Indian youth in their quest for employment.

Competition

The grim reality of unemployment among engineers has far-reaching implications for India's economy, social fabric, and future workforce. With an ever-growing number of young people entering the job market, the competition for available positions only intensifies. The lack of suitable employment opportunities not only leads to frustration and disillusionment but can also be a breeding ground for social unrest and crime.

The Indian government and educational institutions must act swiftly to address the issue of unemployment among engineers. This will involve revamping higher education curricula, improving infrastructure, and promoting industry-academia collaborations. If left unaddressed, the unemployment crisis among engineers will cast a dark shadow over India's future, stifling its growth and development.