Kerala among the top in India’s youth unemployment chart despite high literacy rate: What are the real culprits?

Kerala continues to grapple with one of India’s highest youth unemployment rates, with 29.9% of the 15-29 age group unemployed, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24. Key factors include a mismatch between skills and job market needs, limited job opportunities, remittance inflows, and economic challenges. The Kerala Migration Survey 2023 revealed that 30% of youth would prefer to remain unemployed rather than accept jobs below their qualifications, underscoring the need for systemic reforms.