Do working women in rural Bengal earn more than urban counterparts?
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Synopsis
A recent report highlights that working women in rural West Bengal earn more than their urban peers. This surprising trend raises questions about wage disparities and the employment landscape across regions. Explore the implications behind these statistics and understand the economic dynamics driving migration for better opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Rural women in West Bengal earn Rs 320 daily.
- Urban counterparts earn Rs 316 daily.
- Kerala's rural women earn Rs 454, urban women Rs 505.
- Migration for better wages is a growing trend.
- Employment opportunities vary significantly between rural and urban areas.
Kolkata, Sep 16 (NationPress) The average daily earnings of working women in the rural regions of West Bengal surpass those of their urban and metropolitan peers, as indicated by the latest data from the Centre.
The report titled "Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data", sourced from the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, reveals that as of June 2024, rural women in West Bengal earn an average of Rs 320 daily, slightly ahead of the Rs 272 reported in September 2023.
As per the same report, crafted with contributions from the state finance department, the average daily income for women in urban and metro areas of West Bengal is Rs 316. Notably, this figure was higher at Rs 324 as of September 2023.
Kerala, governed by the Left Front, leads both rural and urban sectors in terms of average daily income for working women. In Kerala, rural women earn Rs 454, while their urban counterparts earn Rs 505.
Economic analysts suggest that the trend of rural working women earning a marginally higher daily income than those in urban and metro areas reflects the lower wage rates prevalent even in organized sectors in urban West Bengal. This situation is leading to increased migration of workers, including women, to states offering significantly higher wages.
Economists find the scenario in West Bengal intriguing since typically, urban and metro areas provide more employment opportunities compared to rural zones. In rural areas, women’s job prospects are often confined to farming, animal husbandry, and limited handicrafts. Conversely, urban settings offer a plethora of job opportunities, such as security roles in hotels, shopping malls, large hospitals, and domestic help.
Acclaimed economist P. Mukhopadhyay stated, "While many women are exploring unconventional roles like app-cab drivers and product delivery, the low average daily income in urban and metro regions raises concerns about the state’s economic health, especially regarding daily wage rates."
Economics educator Diganta Basu emphasized that the stark contrast in daily wages contributes to the migration of workers from West Bengal to states like Kerala for better opportunities. "With urban and metro women earning an average of Rs 316, compared to Rs 505 in Kerala, it's understandable why workers seek better prospects elsewhere," he remarked.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the complexities within our labor market. The findings that rural working women in West Bengal are earning more than their urban counterparts highlight significant economic discrepancies. This situation raises questions about wage structures and employment opportunities, and it is vital for stakeholders to address these issues to enhance the livelihoods of all workers across the region.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the latest report reveal about women's earnings in rural vs urban areas?
The report indicates that working women in rural West Bengal earn an average of Rs 320 daily, which is higher than the Rs 316 earned by their urban counterparts.
How do earnings in Kerala compare to those in West Bengal?
In Kerala, rural women earn Rs 454, while those in urban areas earn Rs 505, which is significantly higher than the earnings in West Bengal.
What factors contribute to the wage disparity?
Lower wage rates in urban sectors and limited employment opportunities in rural areas contribute to the wage disparity, leading to migration for better pay.
What employment opportunities exist for women in rural areas?
Women in rural areas typically find work in farming, animal husbandry, and handicrafts, which are limited compared to urban job opportunities.
Why are women migrating from West Bengal to other states?
Women are migrating to states like Kerala in search of better wages and employment opportunities due to the low average daily income in West Bengal.
