Why in news
As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period between July 2023 and June 2024, the overall unemployment rate remains at 3.2%, unchanged from last year, raising concerns about job creation.
There’s a minor increase in agricultural employment, suggesting fewer opportunities in urban and manufacturing jobs.
Job growth in manufacturing is stagnant at 11.4%, the same as in 2012, indicating a lack of recovery.
Women’s workforce participation has increased, with notable rises among Muslim and Hindu women.
Rural unemployment has decreased (from 5.3% to 2.5%), but urban unemployment remains a concern (from 7.7% to 5.1%)
Economists criticize the report, noting that increased LFPR is due to unpaid family labor in agriculture rather than real job growth.
The shift back to agriculture indicates struggles in finding better-paying non-farm employment.
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