Abstract: Unemployment remains a persistent issue in India, affecting millions of individuals across urban and rural areas. This paper explores the socio-economic and psychological impacts of unemployment, highlighting its consequences on financial stability, mental health, social inequality, and crime rates. The study examines how joblessness leads to economic insecurity, forcing individuals into exploitative labor conditions and pushing families into debt cycles. It also delves into the emotional and psychological toll on unemployed individuals, who often experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation due to societal expectations and pressures. Furthermore, unemployment worsens existing social inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and increasing crime rates as individuals resort to unlawful activities out of desperation. While government policies and economic reforms aim to address unemployment, structural inefficiencies and skill mismatches continue to hinder progress. This paper underscores the need for a holistic approach, including better employment policies, mental health support, and inclusive economic opportunities, to mitigate the challenges posed by rising unemployment in India.
Keywords- unemployment, financial stress, economic insecurity, structural inefficiencies.