Unemployment in the Pradesh

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2024–25, the unemployment rate in Himachal Pradesh in the 15-29 age group has risen to 19.8%, which is double the national average of 9.9%. The urban unemployment rate in this age group was found to be 27.6%, while in rural areas it was 18.4%.

The unemployment rate for all ages has risen to 4.5%, as per the latest figures. The national average is 3.1%. The average rate of unemployment in rural areas was 3.8%, while for urban areas was it was found to be 10.3%.

Figure 1.1: Distribution of employed people in HP^[2]

According to experts, the preference for government jobs and the limited availability of private sector jobs and industries in the state are the main reasons for the rising unemployment among young people.

Registration in employment exchanges has also decreased. While 7,30,933 candidates were registered in 2023–24, this number has gone down to 6,18,022 in 2024–25, a 15.45% decrease^[1].