Delhi (PIB)-
The Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has reported a notable rise in women’s participation in India’s labor force over the past six years. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) and Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 years and above have seen consistent growth, marking a crucial achievement in employment trends.
Highlights from the Data (2017-18 to 2023-24):
| Year | WPR (%)| LFPR (%) |
|—————–|————-|—————|
| 2017-18 | 22.0 | 23.3 |
| 2018-19 | 23.3 | 24.5 |
| 2019-20 | 28.7 | 30.0 |
| 2020-21 | 31.4 | 32.5 |
| 2021-22 | 31.7 | 32.8 |
| 2022-23 | 35.9 | 37.0 |
| 2023-24 | 40.3 | 41.7
The WPR for women has risen from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, while the LFPR has grown from 23.3% to 41.7% during the same period.
Efforts to Boost Women’s Participation:
The Government of India has been proactive in encouraging women to join the workforce through various initiatives, including:
– Labour Reforms: Policies such as equal wages, paid maternity leave, and flexible work hours have fostered a supportive environment for women.
– Skill Development: Women-specific vocational training programs offered through specialized institutes enhance employability.
– Employment Schemes: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, MGNREGS, and Startup India provide financial and entrepreneurial support.
– Budget 2024-25 Announcements: The government has allocated ₹2 lakh crore for employment initiatives, including working women hostels, childcare facilities, and skill training programs.
Union Minister’s Statement:
In a statement to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, emphasized the government’s focus on creating opportunities and improving employability for women.
The surge in women’s workforce participation reflects progress toward gender equity and economic empowerment, with government policies continuing to play a pivotal role in driving this transformation.
