Tamil Nadu draft employment policy targets youth unemployment with new initiatives

The Tamil Nadu Employment Policy draft emphasizes the need to address high unemployment among young adults, particularly those aged 20-29. The report notes a decline in employment in this age group, especially in agriculture, where the median worker age has risen to 42. The draft highlights that many young women are engaged in full-time domestic work, contributing to a 7.4% unemployment rate among them. It suggests creating job opportunities in manufacturing and services, along with payroll subsidies for firms hiring first-generation graduates. To improve job prospects, the report recommends enhancing skill development programs and making manual jobs more appealing through digital platforms. It also calls for better childcare options to support women returning to the workforce.