Context

• The increase in employment in India has been recorded under the Central Government’s youth-centric policies and the Developed India Vision.

Key Points

• Total employment in India rose from 4.75 crore (475 million) in 2017-18 to 6.433 crore (643.3 million) in 2023-24.
• Over six years, a total of 1.683 crore (168.3 million) new jobs were created.
• The unemployment rate decreased from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24.
• In the last seven years, 1.56 crore (15.6 million) women joined the formal workforce.

1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) (Age 15+)

• 2017-18: 49.8%
• 2023-24: 60.1%
• August 2025: 55% (up from 54.2% in June)
• Indicates: Significant increase in the number of people working or actively seeking work.
• Conclusion: India’s labour market has become more active and employment-friendly.

2. Work Participation Rate (WPR) (Age 15+)

• 2017-18: 46.8%
• 2023-24: 58.2%
• August 2025: 52.2% (up from 51.2% in June)
• Indicates: More people are actually employed.
• Conclusion: Strong contribution from both rural and urban areas.

3. Overall Unemployment Rate (UR)

• 2017-18: 6.0%
• 2023-24: 3.2%
• August 2025: Rural UR 4.3%, Urban Male UR 5.9%
• Indicates: Significant reduction in unemployment.
• Conclusion: More people are participating in productive employment.

4. Youth Unemployment Rate

• 2017-18: 17.8%
• 2023-24: 10.2%
• Indicates: Below the global average of 13.3%.
• Conclusion: Youth-centric government policies have been successful.

5. Female Labour Force Participation Rate (Female LFPR)

• 2017-18: 23.3%
• 2023-24: 41.7%
• August 2025: 33.7% (up from 33.3% in July)
• Indicates: Women’s participation in the workforce has almost doubled.
• Conclusion: Reflects an inclusive and diverse workforce.

6. Self-Employment Share

• 2017-18: 52.2%
• 2023-24: 58.4%
• Indicates: Growing interest in entrepreneurship and independent/gig work.

7. Informal Sector Share

• 2017-18: 24.9%
• 2023-24: 19.8%
• Indicates: Increase in formal employment and social security coverage.

8. Average Monthly Income of Regular Wage/Salaried Employees

• July-September 2017: ₹16,538
• April-June 2024: ₹21,103
• Indicates: Improvement in employment quality and economic stability.

9. EPFO Net Subscribers (Shuddh Formalisation in EPFO Subscribers)

• 2018-19: 61.12 lakh
• 2024-25: Over 1.29 crore
• New subscribers in July 2025: 21.04 lakh
• Special Fact: 60% of new subscribers are aged 18-25.
• Indicates: Increased social security coverage and greater confidence in the organized sector.