Correct Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct option is (a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion that investment in vocational training reduces unemployment rates is true. Vocational training programs focus on providing individuals with specific skills and competencies that are in demand in the job market. By equipping individuals with these targeted skills, vocational training increases their employability and reduces their chances of unemployment. Vocational training programs often align their curriculum with the needs of industries, which helps to bridge the skills gap and meet the specific requirements of employers. As a result, individuals who have undergone vocational training are better prepared to secure employment and contribute to the workforce.

The reason provided states that vocational training equips individuals with specific skills needed in the job market, which is a correct explanation of the assertion. Vocational training programs are designed to provide practical and job-specific skills that are directly applicable in the workplace. These programs often focus on specific industries or occupations, providing individuals with the necessary technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-specific competencies. By acquiring these skills, individuals become more attractive to employers and are more likely to find suitable employment opportunities.

Therefore, both the assertion that investment in vocational training reduces unemployment rates and the reason that vocational training equips individuals with specific skills needed in the job market are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.