YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN MEGHALAYA: CHALLENGES AND POLICY RESPONSES

Meghalaya has been grappling with unemployment problem for the last few decades, and the problem seems to get worse by the day. Youth unemployment in Meghalaya has emerged as one of the most pressing socio-economic concerns of the state. With youth (15–29 years) constituting over 30% of the population and accounting for nearly 85% of the unemployed, the problem reflects both structural and systemic gaps in the labor market. Despite a high labor force participation rate, employment absorption remains inadequate due to skill mismatches, limited industrial diversification, and an overdependence on government employment. The challenges are compounded by a weak education–employment linkage, dominance of the informal sector, and rapid demographic pressures. High levels of youth unemployment not only perpetuate poverty and inequality but also risk triggering social instability, mental health issues, and social evils. This paper critically examines these challenges while also exploring recent policy responses, including State Government initiatives such as FOCUS, PRIME, CM Elevate, YESS Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, which aim to promote entrepreneurship, skill development, and livelihood diversification. It argues that while these programs represent important steps, a more integrated strategy, linking education reform, infrastructure expansion, and inclusive economic diversification, is required to transform Meghalaya’s youthful demographic dividend into a driver of sustainable growth.