Unemployment and Its Social and Economic Implications: A Study of West Bengal, India

Unemployment has severe social and economic consequences, including financial hardship, mental health issues, reduced consumer spending, and increased government expenditure. Comprehensive policies are needed to address unemployment and promote inclusive growth. Unemployment has significant social and economic consequences. Socially, it leads to financial hardships, poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, contributing to social exclusion and stigma. Economically, high unemployment reduces consumer spending and productivity, straining public finances as governments face lower tax revenues and increased welfare costs. In India, the unemployment rate in 2015 was approximately 5.0%, with female unemployment higher than male. West Bengal showed improvement, with an overall rate declining from previous years. Youth unemployment in India ranged from 6.1% to 15.6%, with urban female youth significantly affected. In West Bengal, youth unemployment was notably high compared to the national average, with important district-wise variations. Comprehensive policies addressing education and job creation are necessary to mitigate these impacts. This paper is an attempt to study the status of unemployment in general and that of women in particular of India with particular reference to the state of West Bengal.