New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) In line with the government’s commitment to youth-focused policies and its vision for a Viksit Bharat, employment in India surged to 64.33 crore in 2023-24 from 47.5 crore in 2017-18, marking a net increase of 16.83 crore jobs over six years, as stated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Saturday.

The unemployment rate dropped significantly from 6.0% in 2017–18 to 3.2% in 2023–24, with approximately 1.56 crore women entering the formal workforce in the past seven years.

“This progress is noteworthy because, from an economic perspective, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) alone cannot encapsulate a nation’s holistic development. A clearer picture emerges when various macroeconomic indicators are assessed — with employment standing out as one of the most pivotal,” the statement elaborated.

As per the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), key employment indicators improved between June and August 2025.

The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), which assesses the percentage of individuals aged 15 and above who are either employed or seeking employment, climbed from 54.2% in June to 55% in August.

Meanwhile, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), reflecting the share of employed individuals in the population, increased from 51.2% in June to 52.2% in August.

This enhancement in WPR was noted in both rural and urban settings, contributing to the national uplift.

On a macro scale, LFPR for those aged 15 and older rose from 49.8% in 2017–18 to 60.1% in 2023–24, while WPR surged from 46.8% to 58.2%.

Examining sectoral trends, during the April-June 2025 quarter, the agriculture sector employed the majority of rural workers (44.6% of men and 70.9% of women), while the tertiary sector emerged as the primary employment source in urban regions (60.6% of men and 64.9% of women).

During this quarter, an average of 56.4 crore individuals (aged 15 and above) were employed, comprising 39.7 crore men and 16.7 crore women, according to official statistics.

In 2024–25, more than 1.29 crore net subscribers joined the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a significant rise from 61.12 lakh in 2018–19. Moreover, there’s been a noticeable shift in employment trends as self-employment increased from 52.2% in 2017-18 to 58.4% in 2023-24, while casual labor declined from 24.9% to 19.8%, highlighting a shift towards entrepreneurial endeavors supported by government initiatives.

“Employment is crucial both economically and socially: elevated job levels indicate a more robust economy, stimulate spending, and foster sustainable growth. For development to be impactful, economic growth must lead to the creation of productive, well-paying jobs that enhance livelihoods and ensure social stability,” the statement concluded.