TNR News Network
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a noticeable increase in its unemployment rate over the past nearly three years under the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government.
According to official data, the unemployment rate has gone up by 1.4 per cent from 4 per cent in 2021-22 to 5.4 per cent in 2023-24. In 2022-23, the unemployment rate stood at 4.4 per cent.
As per the guidelines of the National Employment Service, individuals above the age of 14 can register themselves with employment exchanges. Even those already employed are allowed to re-register in search of better opportunities. The registration is also a prerequisite for availing the benefits of employment schemes being implemented by the department.
Recruitment drive for 874 patwari posts to begin soon
In an effort to create more job opportunities, the state government is preparing to fill 874 vacant positions for patwaris (revenue officers). The Personnel and Finance Departments have already approved the Recruitment and Promotion (R&P) rules for these posts, which are now pending legal clearance from the Law Department. Once approved, the requisition for recruitment will be sent to the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission, Hamirpur.
The update came during the monsoon session of the state Assembly. In response to a question by Bharmour BJP MLA Dr Janak Raj, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan revealed that a total of 5,93,457 individuals are currently registered with employment exchanges in the state.
However, it was clarified that not all registered applicants are necessarily unemployed, as some may be seeking better job prospects or are required to register in order to access government-run employment schemes.
Despite government efforts to create new opportunities, the consistent rise in unemployment figures indicates ongoing challenges in bridging the gap between job creation and demand in the state.
