Assam sees seven-fold surge in educated job seekers

GUWAHATI: The latest economic survey of Assam reveals a significant surge in the number of educated job seekers registering in employment exchanges within the state, with nearly 10 lakh fresh entries in 2022, compared to just 1.4 lakh in the previous year.

Describing this trend as a formidable challenge for Assam, the Economic Survey for 2023-24 highlights the substantial increase in the volume of educated job seekers, witnessing a remarkable seven-fold rise within a single year.

According to the survey, the registered educated job seekers totalled 9,83,093 in 2022, a stark contrast to the 1,37,865 recorded in 2021.

Moreover, the survey notes a modest increase of 3.36 percent in the overall number of educated job seekers, reaching 18,05,441 in 2021 compared to 17,46,671 in 2020, based on registrations at employment exchanges.

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The unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 years and above, available for work but unable to secure employment, stood at 1.7 percent in Assam during 2022-23, contrasting with the national rate of 3.2 percent.

Further analysis reveals a rural unemployment rate of 1.5 percent and an urban rate of 6.1 percent in Assam during the same period. In comparison, the national rates were 2.4 percent in rural areas and 5.4 percent in urban regions.

Recognizing the pressing issue of unemployment, the Assam government has initiated positive measures to alleviate the situation.

Notably, efforts are underway to provide government employment to 1,00,000 unemployed youths across various departments.

Additionally, the government has introduced employment-oriented programs and schemes aimed at offering opportunities for self-employment and engaging unemployed youths on a full-time or part-time basis.