ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Youth, Gender, and Urban Exclusion: Revisiting Labour Market Realities in India

This paper delves into the evolving landscape of India's labour force, drawing insights from Section One of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report, 2023–24. The analysis is centred on three pivotal employment metrics: the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the Unemployment Rate (UR). These indicators are examined under both the Usual Status (ps+ss) and Current Weekly Status (CWS) frameworks, offering a comprehensive view of employment trends across rural and urban sectors. The data reveals significant variations in labour market engagement, particularly along lines of gender, age group, and geographic location. Notably, women's participation in the labour force remains considerably lower, with urban areas reflecting the sharpest disparities. Similarly, youth unemployment emerges as a pressing issue, underscoring the urgency for focused interventions. The study also highlights gradual improvements in overall participation and employment rates, indicating a modest post-pandemic recovery. By combining descriptive statistics and time-series analysis, the paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of structural challenges and progress within India’s labour economy. These findings hold critical implications for policy development aimed at achieving inclusive and equitable employment growth across diverse demographic segments. Keywords: Labour force, Employment, Unemployment, India, PLFS, Gender gap, Youth unemployment, Rural-urban differences, Workforce participation, Job trends.