A STUDY OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT: A CASE STUDY OF URBAN AIZAWL, MIZORAM

This study examines the employment status, skill levels, and job-seeking behaviour of youth in urban Aizawl, Mizoram, focusing on individuals aged 20 to 30 years. Against the backdrop of limited formal employment opportunities and a growing urban youth population, the research seeks to understand the socio-demographic characteristics of job seekers, their educational backgrounds, skill possession, and preferences regarding job types and locations. Using primary data collected through structured questionnaires from 304 respondents, the study reveals that the majority of youth are recent graduates with general education and minimal technical or vocational skills. The labour market is dominated by informal and precarious employment, with only 1.4% of respondents holding regular jobs, while 33.2% are completely unemployed. Furthermore, more than half of the employed youth continue to search for better opportunities due to low pay, job insecurity, and lack of career growth. The study also highlights a strong preference among job seekers to work within Mizoram, although nearly half of the respondents are open to jobs regardless of location, reflecting rising economic pressures. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance employability through skill development programs, vocational education, and improved employment services. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of balanced regional development to reduce rural-to-urban migration and calls for greater integration of youth into formal labour markets. The insights derived from this case study contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by educated but underemployed youth in northeast India and inform future policies aimed at sustainable and inclusive employment generation. Keywords: Youth Employment, Urban Aizawl, Unemployment, Informal Labour Market, Job Search And Job Preference.