DIP: 18.02.033/20240902 
DOI: 10.25215/2455/0902033 
Abstract
The rural employment landscape of Punjab faces multifaceted challenges, with socio-economic factors playing a significant role in shaping employment opportunities and outcomes. Punjab, a state historically known for its agricultural dominance, has experienced shifting economic dynamics due to factors such as over-reliance on agriculture, land fragmentation, environmental degradation, and the impact of climate change. These changes have posed critical challenges to rural employment, leading to a rise in unemployment, underemployment, and migration to urban centres in search of better opportunities (Kumar & Kaur, 2022; Singh, 2020). This comprehensive study aims to analyze the socio-economic dimensions of rural employment in Punjab, focusing on the key challenges and the prospects for sustainable growth. The study delves into the underlying causes of rural unemployment, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and skill development, and traditional labor practices that hinder the growth of non-agricultural sectors (Gupta & Sharma, 2023; Sharma, 2021). Furthermore, it explores the economic and social disparities that persist across Punjab’s rural regions, particularly in the context of marginalized groups, women, and youth (Gill et al., 2020). Despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for improving rural employment, including the diversification of the economy through agro-based industries, skill development programs, renewable energy projects, and rural tourism (Mehta, 2019; Rana & Arora, 2018). By examining the socio-economic structure of Punjab’s rural workforce, the study seeks to identify policies and strategies that can help bridge the employment gap, empower local communities, and foster long-term economic development (Sandhu & Kaur, 2017). The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into creating a more inclusive and resilient rural economy, where employment opportunities are diverse, sustainable, and accessible to all sections of society. This research not only sheds light on the current issues but also highlights potential solutions to create a more prosperous and self-sustaining rural Punjab.
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the research process. 
The author(s) declared no conflict of interest. 
ISSN 2455-670X