Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

Why in news?

The national unemployment rate among urban youth is decreasing in FY25, but 6 states and UTs have seen an increase in unemployment rates from Q1 to Q3.

• PLFS is the primary source of data on employment and unemployment situation in India.
• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) gives Indicators like the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR), etc.
• Released by - Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation.
• Survey period - Quarterly Bulletin [October – December 2024].

Key Findings

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) - In urban areas among persons of age 15 years and above has increased from 49.9% to 50.4%.
• LFPR for male of age 15 years and above in urban areas increased from 74.1% to 75.4% reflecting overall increasing trend in male LFPR.
• LFPR among female of age 15 years and above for urban areas increased from 25.0% to 25.2%.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) - In urban areas among persons of age 15 years and above has increased from 46.6% to 47.2%.
• WPR for male of age 15 years and above for urban areas increased from 69.8% to 70.9% reflecting overall increasing trend in male WPR.
• Unemployment Rate (UR) - In urban areas among persons of age 15 years and above decreased from 6.5% to 6.4%.
• UR among males of age 15 years and above remained same as 5.8%.
• UR among female of age 15 years and above decreased from 8.6 % to 8.1%.
• State wise data – Rising unemployment states - Assam shows highest urban youth unemployment rate at 27. 5% in Q3, up from 23. 9% in Q1.
• Bihar's rate has increased to 26. 4% from 20. 8%, Madhya Pradesh to 15% from 11. 2%, and Haryana to 12. 9% from 11. 2%.
• In Jammu & Kashmir the rate rose to 35. 3% from 29. 8%,
• Delhi’s rate grew to 4. 9% from 3. 7%.
• Declined unemployment states – Kerala is followed by Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat with slight decreases.

• International Labour Organisation (ILO) – The study states that youth comprise nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce, with educational attainment increasing significantly.

References

1. PIB | Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
2. Business Standard | Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)