Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

 Source: PIB

 Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report (July 2023 – June 2024) presents key labour market trends in India.

  1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
    • The overall LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above increased from 57.9% in 2022-23 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
    • For females, LFPR rose from 37.0% to 41.7%, while for males, it slightly increased from 78.5% to 78.8%.
  2. Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
    • The WPR also saw a rise, increasing from 56.0% to 58.2%.
    • For females, it jumped from 35.9% to 40.3%, and for males, from 76.0% to 76.3%.
  3. Unemployment Rate (UR):
    • The overall UR was 3.2% for both males and females.
    • While the male UR decreased slightly from 3.3% to 3.2%, the female UR increased from 2.9% to 3.2%.

 

About the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of India to assess the employment and unemployment situation in the country.

Objectives

  • Assess Employment Status: PLFS aims to provide detailed information on various dimensions of labour force participation, employment, and unemployment.
  • Monitor Employment Trends: It helps track changes in the labour market and understand the dynamics of employment and economic conditions.
  • Support Policy Formulation: The data collected is crucial for policymakers to formulate labour-related policies and programs.

Key Features

  • Household Survey: PLFS gathers information from households across rural and urban areas, making it representative of the entire country.
  • Annual and Quarterly Data: It includes both annual and quarterly surveys to provide timely insights into labour force dynamics.
  • Employment Indicators: The survey collects data on various indicators such as work participation rate, unemployment rate, and underemployment rate.