EconomySocial Issues
India's worker population ratio rises since 2022, but youth and educated unemployment persist
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 indicates India's overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is 44.9%, with the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) climbing from 39.7% in 2022 to 43.5% in 2025. While more Indians, especially women in rural areas, are entering the workforce, significant challenges remain. Youth unemployment (15-29 years) stands at 9.9%, and educated unemployment (15+ years with secondary schooling) is 6.5%, more than double the national average of 3.1%. Urban young women face a particularly high unemployment rate of 18.9%, highlighting a gap in employment generation for the educated workforce.
Key Points
- India's overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for all ages is 44.9% in 2025.
- The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) has increased from 39.7% in 2022 to 43.5% in 2025.
- More women, particularly in rural areas, are entering the labour force, with female WPR rising from 26.9% to 33.8%.
- Youth unemployment (15-29 years) is 9.9%, and educated unemployment (15+ years) is 6.5%, significantly higher than the national average.
- Urban young women face a high unemployment rate of 18.9%, indicating persistent challenges in urban labor markets.
Exam Facts
- Source: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoS&PI).
- Overall LFPR (2025): 44.9%.
- Overall WPR (2025): 43.5% (up from 39.7% in 2022).
- Youth unemployment rate (15-29 years): 9.9%.
- Educated unemployment rate (15+ years): 6.5%.
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