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Youth unemployment rises to 15.3% in June, labour participation dips
The increase in youth unemployment during June was sharper in urban areas—rising to 18.8 per cent from 17.9 per cent in May—than in rural areas, where it edged up to 13.8 per cent from 13.7 per cent.
The NSO measures unemployment in Current Weekly Status (CWS) terms, wherein the activity status is determined based on a reference period covering the seven days preceding the date of survey. A person is considered unemployed during the week if they did not work even for one hour on any day of the reference week but sought or were available for work for at least one hour on any day during that week.
The labour force participation rate (LFPR) among youth—which measures the share of people either working or looking for work—declined to 41 per cent in June from 42.1 per cent in May. In rural areas, the figure dropped to 41.1 per cent from 42.7 per cent, while in urban areas, it remained unchanged at 40.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, for individuals aged 15 years and above, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 5.6 per cent in June. While unemployment in rural areas declined to 4.9 per cent from 5.1 per cent in May, it rose in urban areas to 7.1 per cent from 6.9 per cent.
The female unemployment rate declined marginally to 5.6 per cent from 5.8 per cent in May. Male unemployment remained steady at 5.6 per cent.
'The decrease in the unemployment rate for rural areas for both male and female can be attributed to an increase in the share of own-account workers in June 2025 compared to May 2025, along with a reduction in the number of unemployed persons,' said a statement by the labour ministry.
The LFPR for people aged 15 years and above stood at 54.2 per cent in June, compared to 54.8 per cent in May.
'The marginal decline in LFPR and WPR in June 2025 was largely influenced by seasonal agricultural patterns, intense summer heat limiting outdoor physical work, and a shift of some unpaid helpers, particularly from higher-income rural households, towards domestic chores,' the statement said.
The sampling methodology of PLFS has been revamped by the NSO from January 2025 to enable estimation of key employment and unemployment indicators on a monthly basis for both rural and urban areas using the CWS method at the all-India level.
The new methodology also aims to extend the quarterly results of PLFS to rural areas and to estimate key indicators using both the Usual Status (ps+ss) and CWS approaches for rural and urban regions annually.
Among the key changes in methodology is the adoption of a rotational panel sampling design. Under this, each selected household is visited four times across four consecutive months—starting with the first-visit schedule in the first month, followed by three re-visits in subsequent months—in both rural and urban areas.
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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on Periodic Labour Force Survey, non-fossil fuel sources and more (Week 119)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements: Statement 1: When prices start to fall, consumers hold back purchases in the hope of buying the same good for cheaper later. Statement 2: This behaviour increases the prices further, and the gap decreases between supply and demand. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — With China's domestic consumer base still recovering from the economic shock of the Covid-19 disruption, the country's economy suffered a collapse of its thriving real estate market. The collapse of Evergrande, previously the world's most valuable real estate corporation, highlighted the magnitude and repercussions of the crisis. — Real estate was a major component of people's household assets; falling property values harmed consumer confidence, reduced general demand for products and services, and hampered China's internal development engines. — The Chinese economy has also been experiencing deflationary pressures, which refers to prices falling year after year. Deflation, the inverse of inflation, frequently causes major issues for an economy. As prices start to fall, consumers hold back purchases in the hope of buying the same good for cheaper later. This behaviour brings down prices further as the gap between supply and demand widens. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The objective of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is to estimate the: 1. Worker Population Ratio 2. Labour Force Participation Rate 3. Unemployment Rate Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Seasonal factors impacted on India's labour market again in June, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 5.6%. However, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) fell to 54.2% in June from 54.8% in May, indicating that fewer people looked for work last month. — According to the Statistics Ministry's most recent monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report, released on Tuesday, while the unemployment rate (UR) for Indians aged 15 and up remained flat month on month in June at 5.6%, there was a marginal decline in UR for females to 5.6% from 5.8% in May, while males remained at 5.6 percent. — The primary purpose of PLFS is twofold: (i) To estimate the major employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) for urban regions exclusively in the 'Current Weekly Status' (CWS) during a three-month period. (ii) To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both 'Usual Status' (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas on a yearly basis. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Consider the following statements: 1. As of June 2025, non-fossil fuel sources account for more than 50 per cent of the country's installed electricity capacity. 2. In 2024, India ranked first globally in renewable installed capacity. 3. Among non-fossil fuel sources, nuclear energy accounts for the maximum electricity production. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — India has achieved a significant climate milestone five years ahead of schedule: as of June 30, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 50.1% of the country's installed power capacity. These sources, which include nuclear, large hydro, and renewables, accounted for just 30% of installed capacity in 2015 and 38% in 2020, before rapidly increasing over the last five years due to solar and wind power. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — When the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed in 2015, India pledged to achieve 40% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. This objective was boosted to 50% in 2022. — As of June, India's total installed capacity was 485 gigawatts (GW). Renewables, which include solar, wind, small hydro, and biogas, accounted for 185 GW, according to a news statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Large hydroelectric facilities supplied 49 GW, while nuclear energy added 9 GW, bringing the total non-fossil fuel capacity just over halfway. Thermal power, primarily coal and gas-based, accounted for the remaining 242 GW, or 49.9 percent. In 2015, thermal had a 70% share. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In 2024, India ranked fourth globally in renewable installed capacity, including large hydro, behind only China, the US, and Brazil. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following pairs: 1. SAGAR-SETU – It is a mobile application which aims to improve the Ease of Doing Business. 2. Harit Sagar – It aims at achieving the Zero Carbon Emission Goal. 3. Sagar Mathan – It is a mission launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, to increase fish production. How many of the pairs given above are correctly marked? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the above pairs Explanation SAGAR SETU — The National Logistics Portal has created a smartphone app aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Hence, pair 1 is correct. — It enables real-time port operations and monitoring, as well as handled services for the port fraternity to access vessel, cargo, container, finance, and regulatory authority data and services, thereby improving the customer experience. Harit Sagar — To match the greater objective of achieving the Zero Carbon Emission Goal, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has launched the 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines. Hence, pair 2 is correct. — The Harit Sagar Guidelines – 2023 envision ecosystem dynamics in port construction, operation, and maintenance, while adhering to the 'Working with Nature' principle and reducing the influence on biotic components of the harbour ecosystem. Sagar Manthan — The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has inaugurated 'Sagar Manthan', a digital platform that contains detailed information about the Ministry and all of its organisations. The Real-time Performance Monitoring Dashboard makes it easier to track projects, key performance indicators, the Maritime India Vision 2030, and financial and operational aspects. Hence, pair 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements about Zero tillage: 1. It is the practice of growing crops without disturbing the soil strata. 2. It increases soil erosion and decreases the water retention capacity of soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Zero tillage, often known as no-till farming, is the process of cultivating crops without disturbing soil strata using typical tillage methods. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — This strategy retains soil structure while increasing fertility, resulting in several environmental and economic benefits. — This method entails spreading seeds directly into the soil, generally using specialised equipment that digs furrows without turning the soil. — This approach dramatically minimises soil erosion while increasing soil's water retention capacity. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements regarding PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme which aims to address the financial needs of farmers for agricultural inputs and household expenses. 2. Under the scheme an income support in three equal installments will be provided only to all small and marginal land holding farmer families. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — PM-Kisan is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Under this scheme, an income support of ₹6,000 per year is provided to all landholding farmer families. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements regarding HTBt cotton: 1. It is officially approved for commercial cultivation in India. 2. The HT trait allows the cotton plant to withstand the application of glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide. 3. It is developed by Indian public sector research institutes. How many of the statements given above are not correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — HTBt cotton is not approved in India; it is developed by private players and illegally circulated. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are not correct. — Central government regulations stipulate fines as well as jail terms for the cultivation of non-authorised GM crops. India has so far allowed the commercial release of Bt cotton. Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis – the name of the bacteria whose gene has been inserted into the cotton seed. — HTBt is the next generation of GM cotton and allows the plants to resist the spray of the commonly applied herbicide glyphosate for weed control. But the sale, production as well as storage of this variant is illegal in the country. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Under the GST (Goods and Services Tax) regime, the 12% slab includes which of the following categories? 1. Packaged food items such as condensed milk, nuts, dates, sausages, fruit juices 2. Household goods such as cotton, jute handbags, furniture, sewing machines, some textile products 3. Medical items such as medical grade oxygen, gauze, bandages, diagnostic kits. 4. Luxury products and services, tobacco products Select the correct code: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — These items fall under the 12% rate slab; luxury products and services, tobacco products fall under 28 per cent. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 118) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Joblessness steady at 5.6% in June, youth jobless rate still above 15%
NEW DELHI: The unemployment rate in the 15 years and above age group remained steady in June, while the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio (WPR) recorded a slight dip during the month, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) showed on Wednesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The monthly survey, released by the statistics office, revealed that the joblessness rate for those aged 15 and above stood at 5.6 per cent in June, unchanged from May. In urban areas, unemployment was higher at 7.1 per cent, while rural centres reported a lower rate of 4.9 per cent. Among males in rural and urban regions, the unemployment rate held steady at 5.6 per cent. For females, the rate was 5.6 per cent in June, marginally lower than May's 5.8 per cent. The unemployment rate for the 15-29 years age group rose slightly to 15.3 per cent in June from 15 per cent in May. Among females in this group, it rose to 17.4 per cent from 16.3 per cent, while for males it inched up to 14.7 per cent from 14.5 per cent. LFPR in the 15 years and above group stood at 54.2 per cent in June compared to 54.8 per cent in May. In rural areas, LFPR was 56.1 per cent, while in urban areas it was 50.4 per cent. WPR in rural areas for same age group was 53.3 per cent in June, while urban areas recorded 46.8 per cent. The overall WPR dropped to 51.2 per cent from May's 51.7 per cent. The statistics office attributed the marginal decline in LFPR and WPR to seasonal agricultural patterns, intense summer heat, and a shift of unpaid rural helpers, especially women, to domestic duties. It added that the share of rural female workers in agriculture fell to 69.8 per cent in June from 70.2 per cent in May. The rise in own-account work, likely driven by seasonal factors, also contributed to changes in employment dynamics. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now New Delhi: The unemployment rate in the 15 year and above age group remained steady in June while the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and worker population ratio (WPR) dipped slightly during the month, a monthly survey showed on Wednesday. The monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the statistics office showed the unemployment for those in the 15 years and above age bracket remained unchanged at 5.6 per cent in June, same as in May. The joblessness rate in urban areas was higher at 7.1 per cent compared to rural centres which was at 4.9 per cent. The unemployment rate in rural and urban areas among males was at 5.6 per cent in June, unchanged from May while among females it was at 5.6 per cent in June, marginally lower than the 5.8 per cent. The joblessness rate in the 15-29 years age group in June inched up to 15.3 per cent in June from 15 per cent in May. Among females, the unemployment rate within this age group was at 17.4 per cent in June, up from 16.3 per cent in May while among males was at 14.7 per cent during the month, a tad higher than the 14.5 per cent in May.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
June jobless rate: Rural unemployment fell to 4.9% while the urban rate rose to 7.1%
NEW DELHI: India's unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6% in June, unchanged from May, as an improvement in rural areas offset a rise in urban joblessness, official data released on Tuesday showed. Rural unemployment declined to 4.9% in June from 5.1% in May, while urban unemployment increased to 7.1% from 6.9%. The data reflects the share of individuals aged 15 and above who are actively seeking work and available for employment. "The decrease in the unemployment rate for rural areas for both males and females can be attributed to an increase in the share of own-account workers (self-employed) in June compared to May, along with a reduction in the number of unemployed persons," the statistics ministry said in a statement. "The rise in own-account work during this period may be driven by seasonal factors, prompting individuals to engage in small-scale or self-initiated activities (e.g., petty trade, repair work, or services)," it added. Youth unemployment edged up in June, with 15.3% of individuals aged 15-29 who were working or seeking work remaining jobless, up from 15% in May. The rate was higher among females (17.4%) than males (14.7%). Overall, the unemployment rate among women declined to 5.6% in June from 5.8% in May, while it remained unchanged at 5.6% for rural males, the rate fell to 5.1% in June from 5.3% in May, while for rural females it dropped to 4.4% from 4.7%. Among urban males, it rose to 6.4% from 6.2%, while for urban females it held steady at 9.1%.Labour force dips The labour force participation rate (LFPR) - which measures the share of population working or seeking work - declined marginally to 54.2% in June from 54.8% in May, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) monthly bulletin released by the statistics worker population ratio (WPR), or employment rate, fell to 51.2% in June from 51.7% in May. Female WPR saw a sharper drop, falling to 30.2% from 31.3%, while male WPR dipped slightly to 72.8% from 72.9%.The fall in LPFR and WPR was driven by seasonal agricultural patterns, extreme summer heat, and a shift of unpaid helpers, particularly from high-income rural households, towards domestic chores, the ministry LFPR dropped to 32% in June from 33.2% in May, while male LFPR saw a slight dip to 77.1% from 77.2%. Among rural females, it fell to 35.2% in June from 36.9% in May, while among rural males it fell to 78.1% from 78.3%. The ministry said that over a 1-percentage point decline in rural female participation was due to a reduction in unpaid helpers engaged in agricultural work, as several of them reported engaged in domestic duties."Additionally, the share of rural female workers in agriculture dropped from 70.2% in May to 69.8% in June 2025, indicating that reduced need for agricultural engagement among women, perhaps due to a decline in rural inflation," it added. Rural inflation declined to 1.7% in June from 2.6% in LFPR declined to 41% in June from 42.1% in May. Female youth LFPR was 20.6% in June, significantly lower than 61% for figures are based on the current weekly status (CWS), which measures an individual's activity by whether they worked or sought work in the seven days preceding the survey date.
