PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY

• Launched by: National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Year of launch: 2017.
• Purpose: To provide timely and reliable data on:
• Employment and Unemployment
• Labour Force Participation
• Nature of employment (formal/informal, self-employed, etc.)

Objectives of PLFS

• Estimate key labour force indicators (LFPR, WPR, UR).
• Analyze trends in employment–unemployment dynamics.
• Provide quarterly data (for urban areas) and annual data (for rural + urban).
• Enable evidence-based policy-making on jobs, skill training, and welfare.

Key Indicators Used

Types of Activity Status

• PS = Principal Status, SS = Subsidiary Status

PLFS Output Frequency

Importance of PLFS

• Replaced the earlier Employment-Unemployment Surveys (EUS) conducted every 5 years.
• Supports:
  • Planning for Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Labour market reforms and targeting schemes like MGNREGA, PM-SVANidhi, etc.
  • Helps assess impact of economic shocks (e.g., COVID-19) on employment.

Findings from Recent PLFS (2023–24)

• Unemployment Rate (CWS): Declined to around 6.6% in urban areas.
• Female LFPR: Gradually increasing (positive trend).
• Self-employment: Still dominates in rural areas.
• Youth Unemployment: Remains a concern, especially among educated youth.

Criticisms & Limitations