According to the National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO’s) periodic labour force survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate stood at a 45-year-high of 6.1 per cent in the year 2017-18.

According to Business Standard, the survey, which was “withheld by the government,” shows a huge surge in joblessness among the youth.

The report, which hasn’t been made public yet, is at the centre of a controversy after two National Statistical Commission (NSC) members—including the acting chairman—resigned earlier this week on Monday, “alleging that the government had withheld its release despite the NSC’s approval.”

“The unemployment rate was at its highest level since 1972-73 – a period from when the jobs data is comparable, documents reviewed by Business Standard show.”