Working, But Not Prospering: Jharkhand's Employment Paradox

Abstract

This opinion article examines Jharkhand’s employment paradox: despite relatively low unemployment, the state continues to face challenges in creating productive, secure, and adequately remunerated jobs. Situating the issue within SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, it highlights informal and self-employment, limited manufacturing, inadequate local value addition, credit constraints, youth employment challenges, and gaps between skills and industry needs. The article calls for stronger MSME financing, local mineral processing and manufacturing, and industry-linked vocational skills to translate Jharkhand’s natural and human resources into better employment opportunities.