Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly criticised the opposition-ruled states for their failure to address rising unemployment rates, particularly among the youth. Citing recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24, Mr. Pradhan highlighted the glaring disparities in job creation in states led by opposition parties.

According to the survey, Kerala has recorded one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, with an overall unemployment rate of 29.9 percent in the 15-29 age group. Mr. Pradhan alleged that these states are collapsing under the weight of their own mismanagement and corruption. The minister contrasted this with the performance of BJP-ruled states. States like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have successfully kept youth unemployment under control. He said these states are focussing on long-term job creation and sound fiscal policies.