Addressing Rural Unemployment and Poverty in Contemporary India through Skill Development Programmes

Abstract: In contemporary India, rural unemployment and poverty remain significant challenges despite rapid economic development and digital progress. According to CMIE data, rural unemployment stood at 7.7% as of December 31, 2022. Agriculture continues to be the primary occupation in rural India, yet many farmers, especially in rainfed areas, remain underemployed for several months due to seasonal cycles, monsoon dependency, and lack of diversification. This leads to a cycle of economic insecurity, social marginalization, and in some cases, farmer suicides. Through the lens of Tamil Nadu’s villages and with a special focus on national and state-level initiatives like PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana) and Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), this article analyses the root causes of rural unemployment and explores skill development as a sustainable solution for rural poverty eradication.

Keywords: Gender-Inclusive Approach, Rural unemployment, Poverty alleviation, Skill development, Climate change