Something’s Working in Kerala

There has been a sharp decline in Kerala’s unemployment rate, the first time in 20 years, according to National Sample Survey figures.

There has been a sharp decline in Kerala’s unemployment rate, the first time in 20 years, according to National Sample Survey figures. The survey results, released every five years, have never before shown the problem of unemployment easing in Kerala. The results of the 66th round of the NSSO’s data collection show that rural unemployment has come down from 15.8 per cent in 2004-05 to 9 per cent in 2009-10. In urban areas, it has come down from 19.9 per cent in 2004-05 to 8.3 per cent in 2009-10. Economist and former state finance minister Dr Isaac attributes this unusual trend to the vibrant functioning of the Kudumbasree movement, NREGA, and emphasis being made on traditional industries and paddy cultivation in the state.

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Shahina KK