Self-employment is a key avenue for employment generation in India, and here's why:
- High Employment Potential: India, with its large rural population and limited job opportunities in the formal sector, has seen self-employment emerge as a crucial way for individuals to earn their livelihoods. Agriculture, handicrafts, and small businesses are common forms of self-employment.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Self-employment fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, as individuals take the initiative to create businesses and services that cater to local and regional needs.
- Lower Barriers to Entry: Unlike formal employment that requires certain qualifications or skills, self-employment offers flexibility and lower barriers to entry, allowing many individuals, particularly in rural areas, to enter the workforce.
- Government Initiatives: Various government schemes like PMEGP (Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme) and MUDRA Yojana support the self-employment sector by providing loans, training, and other resources. Therefore, self-employment is crucial in India's economic context, providing a valuable route to employment for a large section of the population.
Year | Unemployment Rate (in percent) | Number of unemployed (in millions) | Labour Force Participation Rate (in percent) |
2010 | 15 | 30 | 70 |
2020 | 20 | 50 | 80 |