The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023 highlights the persistent gap in women’s labour force participation in India.
Despite some progress, the survey reveals that a significant disparity remains between male and female participation rates.
Social and structural barriers continue to hinder women’s access to the labour market.
Overview of PLFS 2023 Findings
The PLFS 2023, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), provides a comprehensive analysis of employment and unemployment trends in India.
The survey covers both rural and urban areas and offers insights into key indicators such as the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and the Worker Population Ratio (WPR).
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures the proportion of people actively engaged in or seeking work.
According to the PLFS 2023, the LFPR for males stands at 84.3% in rural areas and 81.9% in urban areas.
In stark contrast, the female LFPR is significantly lower, with only 31.2% in urban areas.
This disparity underscores the challenges women face in entering and remaining in the workforce.
The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) measures the proportion of the population that is actually employed.
The PLFS 2023 data shows that the WPR for females is 34.8% in rural areas and a mere 20.7% in urban areas.
This indicates that a substantial portion of women who are seeking work are unable to find it, pointing to structural unemployment, underemployment, or job market barriers.
Several factors contribute to the persistent gap in women’s labour force participation.
Social norms and cultural expectations often limit women’s opportunities for employment.
Additionally, the lack of access to affordable childcare and the burden of unpaid care responsibilities further restrict women’s ability to participate in the labour market.
Government Initiatives and Policies
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives and policies to promote women’s participation in the workforce.
These include the Code on Social Security, 2020, which enhances maternity leave and mandates crèche facilities in establishments with 50 or more employees.
The Code on Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions, 2020, allows women to work in mines and other sectors with adequate safety measures.
Despite these efforts, the gap in labour force participation remains a significant challenge.
The PLFS 2023 highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the Indian labour market.
While there have been some improvements, the persistent gap in women’s labour force participation underscores the need for continued efforts to address social and structural barriers.
The government’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive measures are required to ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce.
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