Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 

Current Context : Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Quarterly Bulletin [July – September 2024] released.

Key Findings (2023-24 Report)

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

1. Overall LFPR for persons aged 15+ increased to 1%(from 57.9% in 2022-23).
2. Female LFPR rose significantly from 37% to 41.7%, and male LFPR marginally improved to 8%.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR):

1. Overall WPR reached 2%(up from 56.0% in 2022-23).
2. Female WPR saw a notable increase from 9% to 40.3%, while male WPR rose to 76.3%.

Unemployment Rate (UR):

1. Declined overall to 2%in 2023-24, consistent for both men and women.
2. Urban female unemployment saw a slight rise, but rural areas exhibited a steady decline.

Trends in Women’s Labour Participation

1. Rural Female LFPR: Increased by 23 percentage points since 2017-18, now at approximately 48%.
2. Educated Women (Postgraduate and Above): Workforce participation rose from 35% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2023-24.
3. Self-Employed Women: Demonstrated consistent growth in earnings.

Barriers to Women’s Participation

1. Social: Childcare, household responsibilities, early marriage.
2. Economic: Limited job opportunities and dependency on household income.
3. Educational: Pursuit of higher qualifications.
4. Other: Inadequate rural infrastructure and poor support systems.

Government Initiatives Supporting Women’s LFPR

Legislative Actions:

1. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
2. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

Schemes:

1. Skill India Mission.
2. Stand-Up India.
3. National Rural Livelihood Mission.

Key Indicators :

1. Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Proportion of employed individuals in the total population.
2. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Proportion of people engaged in or actively seeking work.
3. Unemployment Rate (UR): Proportion of unemployed among the labour force.