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Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Formal jobs, self-employment rising: statistics ministry
New Delhi: Formal jobs and self-employment are on the rise in India while the youth unemployment is below the global average, the statistics ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry stated that formal employment is rising steadily, with nearly 13 million net subscribers for provident fund getting added in FY25 under the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), more than double the number in FY19. Since September 2017, more than 77.3 million net subscribers have joined, including nearly 2 million in April 2025 alone —indicating a strengthened formal workforce and greater social protection coverage, the ministry stated. A structural shift is also underway: Periodic Labour Force Survey data indicates that self-employment increased from 52.2% to 58.4%, while casual labour declined from 24.9% to 19.8%, the ministry said, adding that this reflects a move toward entrepreneurial, autonomous livelihoods, supported by government initiatives. The ministry also said Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 years and above has increased from 49.8% in 2017–18 to 60.1% in 2023–24. During the same period, the worker-population ratio (WPR) rose from 46.8% to 58.2%, while the unemployment rate declined sharply from 6% to 3.2%. 'These indicators suggest greater absorption of the workforce into productive employment. Notably, the youth unemployment rate fell from 17.8% to 10.2%, which is lower than the global youth unemployment rate of 13.3% as per International Labour Organisation's World Employment and Social Outlook 2024,' the ministry stated. The ministry cited Reserve Bank of India's database to say total employment in the country increased from 475 million in 2017–18 to 643 million in 2023–24—an addition of 168 million jobs over six years. The ministry also said, quoting PLFS estimates, that the average daily wage for casual labourers (excluding in public works) increased from ₹ 294 in July–September 2017 to ₹ 433 in April–June 2024. The average monthly earnings of regular salaried employees rose from ₹ 16,538 to ₹ 21,103 during the same period. 'These upward trends demonstrate not only increased income levels but also enhanced job stability and quality,' the ministry said. The recent rise in agricultural employment is linked to strengthened rural activity and policy support, including ₹ 122.5 crore in funding for agri-startups—driving innovation and sustainability in the sector—it said. India's demographic dividend is being actively cultivated through targeted initiatives, which aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, the ministry said. The economy is also witnessing job growth in emerging sectors such as startups, global capability centres (GCCs), digital services and the gig economy, creating new and diverse employment opportunities for the youth, it added. India's employment narrative is one of forward momentum, not decline, it added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India must adapt to rapidly changing work landscape, says International Labour Organisation Director
Employment patterns continue to shift dramatically, according to Michiko Miyamoto , Director of the International Labour Organisation ( ILO ) DWT for South Asia and Country Office for India. Speaking to on the sidelines of the 3rd Global Industrial Relations Summit organised by FICCI-AIOE in collaboration with ILO and IOE Geneva, Miyamoto highlighted the critical need for adaptive strategies in India's evolving employment landscape. Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence's impact on employment, Miyamoto acknowledged that AI is "definitely affecting our jobs and will continue to affect our jobs." However, she emphasised the importance of understanding which occupations and demographic groups face greater risks. "We already know that female employment is more likely to be affected in many countries," Miyamoto observed, pointing to gender-specific vulnerabilities in the AI transition. The ILO director stressed that protecting workers requires "a platform of conversation and agreed strategy between industry, workers, and supported by government." She identified social dialogue and industrial relations as key mechanisms for managing technological change. "The pace of change is so rapid; we have to have this continuous conversation all the time. That's the only way to ensure that work is protected and people benefit more than are negatively affected," she explained. With nearly 60% of the global workforce still engaged in the informal economy, Miyamoto highlighted the urgent need for formalisation and social protection extension. She acknowledged that transitioning from informal to formal economy represents a complex challenge that "everyone knows is not an easy path." "Meanwhile, what can we do to protect people working in the informal economy? The main thing we can do immediately is provide social protection," she stated. Praising India's social protection initiatives, Miyamoto specifically mentioned the e-Shram scheme as a positive step. "It's good to have a pathway for informal economy workforce to be registered so they are connected to existing social protection schemes. That is absolutely important," she noted. The director emphasised that many workers remain unaware of available schemes, making awareness and connectivity crucial components of protection strategies. Miyamoto identified skills development as fundamental to India's employment strategy, particularly given rapidly changing job requirements. She called for stronger connections between industry and education systems to ensure training programs deliver immediately employable skills. "There's basic education - we need to continue and increase the quality of it. At the same time, job requirements are changing so quickly. The trick is connecting industry and education systems closer and closer, so training systems offer skills that are employable to industry straight away," she explained. Discussing global economic uncertainties, including potential impacts from US trade policies under President Donald Trump, Miyamoto advocated for robust domestic economic strategies. "We're living in a very uncertain world. We don't know how global policy will affect your economy today, tomorrow, next week," she observed. "In that environment, we need really good country strategy." She praised India's focus on building strong domestic economic foundations, arguing that "if people in the economy are strong, then that's the most reliable source of a country's economy."
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gender pay gap
EDITORIAL: While Pakistan has made notable progress in increasing women's participation across various fields of national endeavour — including those traditionally dominated by men — the gender pay gap continues to persist. Findings from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) study titled 'Gender Pay Gap in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis' reveal that women in Pakistan earn, on average, 30 percent less than men, even when they have similar qualifications and experience and are employed in comparable roles. This is a troubling reflection of the deeply entrenched gender bias that continues to shape the country's labour market. The report further notes that Pakistan's wage disparity is among the highest compared to other lower-middle-income countries — a stark reminder that, despite visible gains, sexism remains a major barrier to achieving genuine gender equality. This economic inequality is fuelled in large part by usual gender stereotypes that continue to devalue women's work. These biases are often implicit, embedded in workplace culture and decision-making processes, making them harder to identify and even harder to challenge. As a result, women frequently receive lower pay than men for doing the same work, not due to performance or qualifications, but due to the perceived lesser value of their work. The wage gap is particularly wide in the informal sector, where a large number of women are employed in unregulated settings with little to no labour protections. According to the ILO report, even women with higher levels of education often earn significantly less than men with similar — or in some cases, lower — qualifications. This disparity points to deeply rooted biases in hiring, salary setting, and promotion practices. In the formal private sector, the pay gap is somewhat narrower, and it is lowest in the public sector, where regulated wage structures and standardised pay scales offer a greater degree of parity. Yet, even in government employment, the 'glass ceiling' remains intact. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles and promotions, even when they meet or exceed the qualifications and experience required. This exclusion is especially visible in high-ranking, influential positions, where men continue to dominate. In other words, while women may hold roles similar to their male colleagues, they are frequently excluded from senior decision-making positions, limiting their career growth and earning potential. What these findings make clear is that the gender pay gap in Pakistan is not simply the result of women being concentrated in lower-paying sectors. Rather, it reflects systemic and ingrained gender bias in salary decisions across all levels of employment. Tackling this issue requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Legal reforms must be enacted and enforced to ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Efforts must also be made to expand women's access to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities across all sectors. Also, there is a pressing need to challenge societal attitudes through educational campaigns and workplace initiatives that confront gender stereotypes. Encouraging women to pursue careers of their choice on an equal footing with men is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential for building a more just, inclusive, and economically resilient society. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Less than men?
Listen to article Among the countless barriers to Pakistan's sociopolitical and economic sphere that women of this country face in their daily lives, the gender pay gap in Pakistan's labour market particularly stands out as a glaring indicator of institutional inequality. The recently launched 'Pakistan Gender Pay Gap Report 2024' by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) declares that women in Pakistan, on average, earn 25% less than their male counterparts in hourly wages and 30% less based on monthly wages. This is unfortunately one of the highest income disparities compared to other lower- and middle-income countries. This irrefutable proof of wage inequality comes armed with rebuttals to common societal scenarios that question women's aptitude and worth. The report highlights that the wage gap persists even when women possess qualifications and experience equivalent to their male counterparts. In fact, women in wage employment are often more likely to hold higher levels of education than men. The stark reality for women — who constitute only 13.5% of Pakistan's workforce - reveals entrenched systemic biases. Not only are women significantly less likely to be selected over male candidates, but those who are hired often receive lower wages than men. On top of this disparity, employed women often have to go home to clock in for what Simone de Beauvoir called a 'second shift' — he household responsibilities that men did not pick up when women started to join the workforce. Ultimately, not only do they work two 'jobs', but women in Pakistan are significantly underpaid and underappreciated for both. Calls for gender parity will continue to ring hollow without legislative teeth, transparent implementation and a cultural reset. A strategy that involves wage transparency is also largely needed to push for accountability by those responsible. The issue is long overdue.
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Why 123rd Episode Of Mann Ki Baat Is Special
The episode covered several themes, including India's health achievements, reflections on Emergency, religious pilgrimages, youth empowerment, and social initiatives. The 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio program, was broadcast on June 29, 2025, across various platforms. As a key initiative to connect directly with Indian citizens, this apolitical program addresses diverse issues of national importance, celebrates collective achievements, and promotes public participation in governance. The episode covered several themes, including India's health achievements, reflections on the Emergency period, the significance of religious pilgrimages, youth empowerment, and social initiatives. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in multiple languages, reaching an estimated 90 per cent of India's population, particularly in rural and remote areas, through radio and television. The 123rd episode continued this tradition, blending inspirational stories, policy updates, and calls for public involvement. The 123rd episode was notable for its diverse topics, reflecting Modi's focus on unity, progress and cultural heritage. A significant highlight was the announcement that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free of trachoma, a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that can lead to preventable blindness. Modi emphasised this as a major public health achievement, particularly for underserved communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. He noted that this milestone reflects India's commitment to improving healthcare access and infrastructure. Additionally, Modi highlighted that over 95 crore Indians now benefit from social security schemes, a significant increase from less than 25 crore in 2015. He cited the International Labour Organisation (ILO), stating that over 64% of India's population is covered by some form of social protection, showcasing progress in social welfare. In the 123rd episode Modi also addressed the dark period of the Emergency (1975–1977), describing it as a time when democracy was 'murdered" and the judiciary was pressured to act as a 'puppet" under the draconian Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). Quoting Morarji Desai, Modi underscored the resilience of India's democratic spirit, stating that those who imposed the Emergency ultimately lost. This reflection served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding constitutional values and democratic institutions. The mention of the Emergency was a significant moment, as it connected historical lessons to contemporary governance, urging citizens to value democratic freedoms. PM Modi's remarks also highlighted the judiciary's role in upholding justice and reinforcing trust in India's institutional framework. A central theme of the 123rd episode was the spiritual significance of religious yatras (pilgrimages). Modi extended heartfelt wishes to devotees embarking on journeys like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had recently resumed, and the Amarnath Yatra, beginning on July 3, 2025. He described pilgrimages as a means of 'disciplining the body, purifying the heart, fostering mutual love and brotherhood, and connecting with God." The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, revered by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, was highlighted as a symbol of India's cultural unity. Modi also referenced the recently concluded Jagannath Rath Yatra, noting that such pilgrimages reflect the ethos of ' Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Supreme India). PM Modi praised the selfless contributions of individuals and organisations ensuring the safety and success of these yatras, emphasising the spirit of service (seva). He noted that the emotional pull of pilgrimages – 'the call has come" – captures their spiritual essence, inspiring millions to participate. This segment resonated deeply with listeners, reinforcing India's rich spiritual heritage and collective goodwill. The PM also highlighted stories of youth empowerment, particularly in regions previously marked by conflict. He spoke of Bodoland, where the identity of struggle has transformed into one of aspiration. Young people in Bodoland, once limited by opportunities, now pursue dreams with courage and self-reliance, particularly in sports like football. Modi praised football players from the region, noting their contributions to India's sporting landscape. This focus on youth underscores the Modi government's efforts to create opportunities in education, sports, and entrepreneurship, especially in areas affected by insurgency or underdevelopment. Modi's narrative of transformation through self-reliance aligns with broader initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). The 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat also highlighted the global reverence of Lord Buddha's teachings, noting an instance where Vietnam requested a 12-day extension for an Indian cultural event due to overwhelming public response. PM Modi emphasised that Buddha's thoughts continue to inspire peace and unity worldwide, showcasing India's soft power and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing India's role as a global cultural leader. The 123rd episode was also shaped by interesting public inputs. For instance, Vijaya Kumar Moka, an artist from Visakhapatnam, shared his story of creating over 350 millet paintings to promote India's millet culture, hoping for national recognition through Mann Ki Baat. Another citizen proposed an organization to employ unemployed individuals in nature conservation efforts, aligning with Modi's focus on sustainability. These inputs reflect the program's participatory nature, where citizens' voices shape the narrative. Modi's acknowledgment of such stories fosters a sense of inclusion and motivates grassroots innovation. The 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat continued the program's tradition of addressing diverse themes while celebrating India's collective achievements. With over 23 crore regular listeners and more than a billion having tuned in at least once since Mann Ki Baat started on October 3, 2014, the program's reach is unparalleled. Its apolitical nature ensures it remains a platform for dialogue rather than political rhetoric. The trachoma-free announcement highlighted India's progress in public health, complementing campaigns like Swachh Bharat and Ayushman Bharat. The expansion of social security to 95 crore people reflects a decade of inclusive growth, addressing disparities that once limited access to welfare. These achievements resonate with listeners as tangible outcomes of governance. The 1975 Emergency related discussion served as a historical reminder, reinforcing the value of democracy and judicial independence. By invoking Morarji Desai, Modi connected past struggles to present resilience, appealing to citizens' sense of national pride and vigilance. The emphasis on pilgrimages underscored India's cultural diversity and unity. By highlighting yatras revered across religious traditions, Modi reinforced the idea of a shared national identity. The focus on service during these pilgrimages aligns with his call for collective responsibility. The Bodoland narrative showcased the transformative power of opportunity in conflict-affected areas. By spotlighting sports and self-reliance, Modi inspired young listeners to pursue their dreams while acknowledging government efforts in fostering development. The mention of Buddha's legacy and Vietnam's response highlighted India's growing cultural influence. Mann Ki Baat, undoubtedly, serves as a platform to project this soft power, strengthening India's global image. The program's interactive nature was evident in the diverse suggestions received. From millet art to environmental initiatives, citizens' inputs reflect the program's role in amplifying grassroots stories. The 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat was a microcosm of Modi's vision for India–a nation rooted in its cultural heritage, advancing in health and welfare, and empowering its youth while learning from its past. By addressing trachoma elimination, the Emergency, pilgrimages, youth aspirations, and global cultural influence, PM Modi wove a highly effective narrative of progress and unity. The program's participatory model, amplified by platforms like MyGov, ensures it remains an engagingly stirring dialogue with the people, not a monologue. As India approaches its 75th year of the Constitution in 2025, in a few months from now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resoundingly successful Mann Ki Baat continues to be a vital tool for fostering national pride and collective action. Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and Bestselling Author of 'The Modi Gambit". Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : mann ki baat pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 03, 2025, 12:03 IST News opinion Opinion | Why 123rd Episode Of Mann Ki Baat Is Special Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
