India’s Urban Unemployment Rate Declines to 6.7% | NSSO Data

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India’s Urban Unemployment Rate Declines to 6.7% | NSSO Data: The latest findings from the 22nd Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), shed light on the state of urban unemployment in India for the January-March 2024 period. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends and insights revealed by the survey.

Urban Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 years and above in urban areas witnessed a slight decline to 6.7% in the January-March 2024 period, compared to 6.8% a year earlier. While this marks an overall improvement, there were notable differences in unemployment rates between genders.

Gender Disparities in Unemployment

Female unemployment in urban areas saw a significant decrease, with the rate dropping to 8.5% in January-March 2024 from 9.2% in the same quarter of the previous year. Conversely, male unemployment experienced a slight uptick, rising marginally to 6.1% in January-March 2024 from 6% in the corresponding period last year.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

The LFPR in urban areas for individuals aged 15 years and above showed a positive trajectory, increasing to 50.2% in January-March 2024 from 48.5% in the same period a year ago. This indicates a higher proportion of the population engaging in economic activities.

Understanding the Survey Methodology

The PLFS, initiated in April 2017, provides quarterly estimates of labor force indicators, including the unemployment rate, worker population ratio (WPR), and LFPR, based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach. This methodology identifies unemployed individuals as those who did not work for even one hour during the week but were available for work for at least one hour.

Insights into Labour Force Participation

Labor force participation encompasses both employed and unemployed persons actively involved in economic activities. According to the PLFS, the LFPR in CWS increased steadily over the quarters, reflecting a growing engagement in the labor force among urban populations aged 15 years and above.

Policy Implications

By offering a nuanced understanding of urban unemployment dynamics, the PLFS equips policymakers with valuable insights to formulate targeted strategies addressing labor market challenges in India. The survey’s quarterly estimates enable timely interventions and policy adjustments to support employment generation and economic growth.

Conclusion

The findings of the latest PLFS underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing urban unemployment trends to ensure inclusive growth and sustainable development. With gender disparities in unemployment rates and a growing LFPR, there is a need for comprehensive policies that promote equitable access to employment opportunities for all segments of society.

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