'In India out of Work, Mehrotra and Parida offer a compelling analysis of why India's jobs problem should concern every Indian. India risks missing out on the demographic dividend unless it takes steps to increase both employment opportunities and the employability of its youth, for which the authors offer thoughtful proposals.'

Raghuram Rajan

'This is a timely book which provides a comprehensive analysis of the employment challenge facing India. India has favourable demographics because the working age population is still growing but this also poses the challenge of generating enough jobs to meet the aspirations of the increasingly educated new entrants to the labour force. The authors dive into the mass of data available to show that the creation of non-agricultural jobs has slowed down after Covid-19. Trends in real wages also suggest the employment being created is not of good quality. This is a timely alarm bell, with many suggestions on what to do if we are to achieve Viksit Bharat with enough good quality jobs.'

Montek Singh Ahluwalia

'In this excellent book, Mehrotra and Parida identify the central challenges of India relating to job creation, improving education and rendering the labor force more employable. The diagnosis is as illuminating as the ideas he offers are important and imaginative. Policymakers and the interested public will benefit immensely from reading the book and reflecting on its insights.'

Arvind Subramanian

'Despite rapid growth, India's economy miserably fails to generate decent jobs, especially for those who have been deprived of good education and modern skills. This failure cannot go away without refocusing economic policies on employment. India Out of Work is a useful springboard for this urgent conversation.'

Jean Drèze