'Youth Being Robbed Off Their Futures': Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Oppn-Ruled States On Rising Unemployment

According to the survey, Kerala recorded one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country at 29.9 per cent in the 15-29 age group.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly criticised the opposition-ruled states for their failure to address rising unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's website said. 

Pradhan citing the recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024 highlighted the glaring disparities in job creation in states led by opposition parties.

According to the survey, Kerala recorded one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country at 29.9 per cent in the 15-29 age group. Meanwhile, the gender disparity was of particular concern, with 47.1 per cent of females and 17.8 per cent of males were without jobs in the state, according to the government statement.

"Youth are being robbed of their futures, especially young women, who have been shockingly abandoned by their own governments. These states are collapsing under the weight of their own mismanagement and corruption," Dharmendra Pradhan said.

Pradhan also drew attention to several reports indicating "severe governance failures" in opposition-ruled states, leading to job crises and financial mismanagement. 

He criticised their addiction to debt and reckless spending on populist promises and freebies, which were "crippling" these economies, leaving them in fiscal ruin.

"While the opposition is busy buying votes with empty promises and pushing their states into bottomless debt, their youth are paying the price—unemployed, disillusioned, and left behind. It's an unforgivable betrayal," Pradhan said. 

"These governments are not just incompetent—they’re dangerous," he added.

On the other hand, BJP-ruled States like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have kept the youth unemployment under control with MP recording just 2.6 per cent and Gujarat at 3.3 per cent. 

Pradhan said that these states are focusing on long-term job creation and sound fiscal policies.

"While the BJP is consistently working towards empowering the youth and creating jobs, the opposition remains mired in mismanagement and unfulfilled promises. It’s time for the people of these states to demand accountability and look towards leadership that delivers results," Pradhan added.