The latest survey report on unemployment is being seen as a setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of general elections slated for April-May this year.
The National Sample Survey Office that conducted the survey between July 2017-June 2018 said the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73.
Media reports said the survey has stirred a political issue after the acting chairman and another member of the body that reviewed the job data resigned saying there was delay in its release.
The head of National Statistical Commission P.C. Mohanan said on Wednesday that he and colleague J. Meenakshi were unhappy over inordinate delay in the publication of the statistics.
Media reports said the report has showed that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas.
Prasanta Patnaik