Skill Development and Self-Employment Transform State’s Economic Landscape

*PLFS 2025 Data Reflects Impact of Good Governance: Chhattisgarh’s Unemployment Rate Lower Than National Average* *Employment-Oriented Policies Deliver Results as Chhattisgarh Records Just 2.3% Unemployment Rate in PLFS 2025* *Employment, Self-Employment and Skill Development Transforming Chhattisgarh’s Economic Landscape* *Opportunities for Youth, Stronger Rural Economy: Chhattisgarh Emerges as a Positive Employment Model* *Good Governance and Welfare Schemes Have Strengthened the Foundation of Employment: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai* Raipur, May 12, 2026/ The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, has revealed that Chhattisgarh’s unemployment rate stands at just 2.3 per cent, significantly lower than the national average. The figures reflect the impact of the state’s “employment-oriented and inclusive development” policies, backed by a strong rural economy and effective public welfare initiatives. The state government has consistently focused not only on providing employment opportunities but also on ensuring “dignified livelihoods, stable income, and self-reliance” for citizens. As a result, economic activities linked to agriculture, forest produce, self-employment, and small enterprises have continued to strengthen livelihood opportunities across the state. The government has worked extensively to make agriculture and allied sectors the driving force of economic growth while connecting farmers, rural communities, and forest dwellers with sustainable livelihood opportunities. Initiatives such as the procurement of minor forest produce at support prices, the promotion of self-help groups in rural areas, the expansion of micro and cottage industries, skill development programmes, and local employment generation schemes have played a significant role in economically empowering youth and women. Various state-run welfare programmes have expanded the scope of economic activities in villages, leading to reduced migration and increased opportunities for local employment and self-employment. The government’s focus on “grassroots economic empowerment” has helped strengthen both rural demand and local entrepreneurship. The state government believes that reducing unemployment figures alone is not enough. Greater emphasis is being placed on providing young people with “better opportunities aligned with their skills and potential.” In line with this vision, special focus is being given to skill upgradation, entrepreneurship development, employment-oriented training, and investment-driven industrial expansion. The positive outcomes of the new Industrial Development Policy 2024–30 are also becoming visible at the ground level, with new industries being established across the state and fresh employment opportunities being created for the youth. The policy aims to promote “balanced and sustainable industrial growth” while encouraging investment in emerging sectors, including information technology, food processing, textiles, logistics, and manufacturing. The government is also working towards balanced growth between rural and urban economies so that the benefits of development reach every section of society. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government is committed to enabling every youth, farmer, woman, and worker in Chhattisgarh to move forward with “confidence, dignity, and self-reliance.” He said that the government is continuously expanding development and employment opportunities so that the benefits of economic progress reach every section of society. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that through public welfare schemes, “transparent and citizen-centric governance,” and employment-oriented policies, Chhattisgarh will further strengthen its identity as one of India’s leading emerging growth states in the coming years.