Unemployment Rate in Urban Areas

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reports that the unemployment rate in urban areas for individuals aged 15 years and above was 6.4% from October to December 2024.

• Male unemployment rate: 5.8%
• Female unemployment rate: 8.1%
• In comparison, last year's same quarter rate was 6.5%, and the previous quarter (July to September 2024) was 6.4%.
• Female unemployment last year was 8.6%.

Unemployment By State

• Highest unemployment: Himachal Pradesh at 10.4%
• Lowest unemployment: Gujarat at 3.0%
• Female unemployment was highest in Himachal Pradesh at 24% and lowest in Delhi at 1.3%

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

The Labour Force Participation Rate for all ages was 39.6%.

• Compared to 39.2% in the same quarter last year.
• Women's LFPR increased slightly by 0.1% to 20%.
• Lowest LFPR observed in Bihar: Overall 30.7%, Women 9.9%

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

The Worker Population Ratio in urban areas for ages 15 years and above increased to 47.2% in October to December 2024.

• Previous year's same quarter WPR was 46.6%.
• Male WPR increased from 69.8% to 70.9%.

Employment Classification

• Self-employed: 39.9%
• Regular employees: 49.4%
• Casual labourers: 10.7%

Sectoral Employment Distribution

• Agriculture sector: 5.5%
• Secondary sector (including mining): 31.8%
• Tertiary sector (service-related industries): 62.7%