Employment and Earnings Patterns in Arunachal Pradesh's Urban Informal Economy

Abstract

The limited economic development in Arunachal Pradesh has resulted in a significant inability to generate employment opportunities for its youth. The elevated unemployment rates stem from a dearth of job prospects, exacerbated by the absence of industrialization. While other states have actively fostered employment through diverse developmental initiatives, Arunachal Pradesh heavily relies on government organizations for jobs, creating a critical situation as these avenues approach saturation. The informal sector, often a vital source of employment, presents a discouraging scenario. The state government faces a formidable challenge in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment. This study explores the dynamics of the urban informal sector in Arunachal Pradesh, drawing insights from primary data collected from 450 informal sector workers in seven urban localities across East Siang and Papumpare districts. The investigation aims to unveil the socio-economic characteristics of informal sector workers, shedding light on contractual relationships, types of employment, and earnings quality.