New Delhi, Feb 16 (.) India’s labour market showed a mixed but resilient performance in January, with labour force participation remaining largely stable even as unemployment increased marginally.
The latest monthly labour figures released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation stated that the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), which measures the share of people either working or actively seeking work, remained at around 55.9 per cent in January.
This stability indicates continued engagement in the workforce nationwide.
In urban areas, participation levels for both men and women remained broadly unchanged, while rural regions saw a slight decrease, largely due to a seasonal slowdown in employment following the peak agricultural season.
Significantly, female participation held firm, signalling that efforts to enhance women’s engagement in the workforce are gradually taking effect.
Despite this steady participation, the Unemployment Rate rose slightly, reaching about 5.0 per cent in January, compared with just under 5 per cent in December. The increase was more noticeable in urban areas, where unemployment climbed modestly, as well as in rural parts of the country.
These figures are part of monthly labour market estimates that help track India’s employment dynamics and provide insights into shifting trends in workforce participation and job availability.
Overall, while unemployment saw a mild uptick, the sustained level of workforce participation suggests that India’s labour market continues to adapt and absorb changes in the economy.
. SAS .