Unemployment occurs when a person who is actively searching for a employment is unable to find work. Unemployment is often used as a measure of the health of the economy. The most frequently cited measure of unemployment is the unemployment rate. For many of us the notion of unemployment is one of those who do not have a job or are paid no salary. This is partly correct. Such a notion will apply largely to the educated people who are not able to find work . Those people who are engaged in argiculture sector are not paid properly for their work. Similarly there are a lot of people in rural and urban area who do not get wages for the work they do. These are farmers, artisans, shop owners, small and big industrialists, taxi drivers, mechanics. These people are also regarded as being employed. Normally when we talk to employed people we mean those who have work throughout the year. But this may not possible for all. In agricullture, work is seasonnal even though agricultural activities are performed throughout the year.
During the peak agricultural season more people are required for work. Employment therefore increases during this time. Some times unemployment occurs during these seasons also. These type of unemployment is known as seasonal unemployment. As a result of massive unemployment there is poverty and increase in social evils like robbery, crime, etc. The consequences of the educated unemployment are quite serious. In some cases we can see graduate engineers doing jobs which can  be performed by diploma holders. Similarly there may be clerks and typist with postgraduate qualifications. Many thieves, pickpockets, smugglers, drug traffickers etc take up these activities because they are unable to find gainful employment. Terrorism in Assam and in many other parts of the country is largely a result of the large number of educated youth in these states, among other factors.
 The major cause of unemployment in India is the slow pace of development. As GDP growth rate is still slow even after sixty five years of independence. In India population is increasing rapidly. It had adversely affected the unemployment situation largely. The rapid population growth indirectly affected the unemployment situation by reducing the resources for capital formation. Land is a gift of nature. Since India is a highly populated country the land is not sufficient for the growing population. As a result there is heavy pressure on the land. In rural areas agriculture is the only means of employment for the people living there. The method of agriculture in India is very backward. Till now the rural farmers follow the old farming methods. This is a big factor which leads to unemployment. Cottage industries are the only means of employment particularly of the landless people. But nowadays the proper functioning of cottage industries are affected by the industrialization process. The day to day education is very defective and is confirmed within the class room only. Its main aim is to acquire certificated only. In rural areas there are no adequate facilities of transport and communication .Since there is lack of transport and communication facilities in rural areas it leads to unemployment among the villagers.
There are some measures to minimize unemployment in India. Creating more employment opportunities in the rural areas through intensive farming, greater irrigation facilities, extension of community projects, organization of co operative farming , development of village industry and settlement of agricultural labourers on the reclaimed land. The present education system needs a thorough overcall check to meet the changing pattern of demand not only through re orientation but also by diversifying the course  in the  field of commerce, trade, banking, insurance, technical and managerial personnel so that the adjustments of demand and labour in various occupations become easy. Development of small scale and village industries can increase the rate of employment. Self employment schemes for the have to be launched to enable them to start their own business or small scale firm, which can also generate employment for many others.