Whither unemployment benefits?

The unemployment rate had shot up sharply during the nationwide lockdown in 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic. Laws and schemes have failed to offer relief to workers during this period.

Data related to unemployment

• Pre-Covid Era- Even before COVID-19, the unemployment rate touched a peak in 2017-18 at 6.1%. 
• As per the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the average urban unemployment rate remained higher at 9.04% in 2021 and above 7% in January-February 2022.
• Post- Covid Era-Meanwhile, the rural unemployment rate rose to 8.35% in February 2022 after mild fluctuations around 5-7% since June 2021.