Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

Why in News?

The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July–September 2025 showed rural unemployment declining to 4.4% while urban unemployment slightly rose. Self-employment increased in rural areas, and agriculture continued to dominate rural jobs, while urban workforce remained tertiary sector heavy.

Description:

1. Conducting Authority:
   1. Conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSO)
   1. Under Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
2. Launch & Purpose:
   1. Launched in 2017 (first report 2017-18).
   1. Aim: To provide timely estimates of key labour market indicators.
3. Key Indicators measured:
   1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
   1. Worker Population Ratio (WPR)
   1. Unemployment Rate (UR)
4. Latest Update (2025):
   1. Unemployment rate fell to 5.2% in July 2025 (from 5.6% in June 2025) – as per PLFS Monthly Bulletin.
5. Revamping (From Jan 2025):
   1. Sample design updated.
   1. Monthly rotational panel scheme introduced for both rural & urban.
   1. Each selected household is surveyed 4 times across 4 consecutive months.
6. Objective of redesigned PLFS:
   1. Monthly estimates for rural + urban under Current Weekly Status (CWS).
   1. Quarterly results extended to include rural areas also (earlier only urban).
   1. Annual estimates for rural + urban under both Usual Status (ps+ss) & CWS.
7. Status Concepts:
   1. Usual Status (ps + ss) = long-term principal + subsidiary activity status.
   1. CWS (Current Weekly Status) = employment situation based on the last 7 days.
8. Importance:
   1. Used for policy making, labour reforms, employment planning, economic growth assessment, sectoral labour participation analysis.

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