Union Minister Pradhan Criticizes Opposition States for Failing to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized opposition-ruled states for their alleged failure to address rising youth unemployment. Highlighting data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey, he pointed out significant gender disparities. Pradhan praised BJP-ruled states for their stable governance and effective economic management, urging voters to demand accountability.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on opposition-ruled states on Thursday, labeling them as 'incompetent' and 'dangerous' due to their failure to address rising unemployment, especially among youth. Citing data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) covering July 2023 to June 2024, Pradhan exposed significant disparities in job creation in states led by opposition parties.

According to the survey, opposition-ruled Kerala recorded one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, with 29.9% in the 15-29 age group. This figure is particularly alarming in the context of gender disparity, with 47.1% of females and 17.8% of males jobless in the state.

'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,' Pradhan said.

'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. These governments are not just incompetent; they’re dangerous,' he added.

In contrast, Pradhan highlighted the stable governance and economic management in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, which have successfully kept youth unemployment rates low — Madhya Pradesh at 2.6% and Gujarat at 3.3%. These states, he emphasized, 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 concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)