Unemployment Rate In India Improves But Stays High Amid Lockdown

As per data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), there has been an improvement in the percentage of unemployed individuals in the country last week.

Data for the week ended 26 April showed that the total unemployment rate in India stood at 21.05 percent, which is lower than previous week's 26.19 percent but significantly higher than 8.41 percent recorded in the week ended 22 March, the pre-lockdown period.

Unemployment in rural India was recorded as 20.88 percent for the week ending 26 April as against 26.69 percent in the previous week. In urban areas, the percentage improved to 21.45 from 25.08 percent as on 19 April.

The nationwide lockdown became effective at 12 am on 25 March to curb the spread of COVID-19. While essential services continued to remain functional, certain relaxations were provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs starting 20 April, in areas with no cases or visible threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

CMIE data shows that there was a sudden jump in the total unemployment rate in India from 22 March's 8.41 percent to 23.81 percent at the 29 March-ended week.

The independent think tank defines unemployment as those that are willing to work but not able to find employment.

Throughout the lockdown period, the unemployment rate has remained in the 21-26 percent range.

Notably, labour participation has been consecutively falling. Labour force has also reduced from 434 million in March to 362 million in April so far, according to CMIE data, which means that at least 72 million individuals lost their wages during the lockdown.