In Karnataka, urban unemployment is at 6.3%, compared to rural unemployment of 3.9%. Unemployment rates among females over the age of 15 is the highest at 7.2%. Similarly, youth unemployment (that is, those without work between the ages of 15 and 29) has touched 15.8% in the State.
Youth unemployment is mainly due to inadequate education or knowledge, irrelevant qualification, lack of skills and job preparedness. Recognizing the need to empower youth in rural and semi-urban areas with vocational training and internships, Sparsha Trust initiated its youth skills development programme. This led to hundreds of youth from low income families, especially women, to get entry level work in companies or start their own enterprises.