WHAT?

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is an important survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of India. It provides crucial data on employment and unemployment in the country, offering insights into the labor market dynamics. It was launched in April 2017.

The survey is conducted annually from July to June where as the since 2025, monthly surveys are also conducted.  The survey compiles data from nearly 45,000 households comprising of around 1.7 lakh individuals from urban areas.

LFPR Provides regular estimates of:

1. Labour force participation rate (LFPR) – % of working-age population in the labour force.
2. Worker population ratio (WPR) – % of employed persons in the population.
3. Unemployment rate (UR) – % of labour force that is unemployed.

FEATURES OF THE PLFS

1. The primary objective of PLFS is to collect comprehensive and reliable data on various aspects of the labor force in India. This includes information on employment, unemployment, and other related indicators.
2. PLFS covers both rural and urban areas and provides a breakdown of labor force statistics by various demographic and socio-economic characteristics.
3. It collects information on employment status, industry-wise employment, educational attainment, and various other factors influencing labor force participation.
4. The survey provides data on different metrics, such as the proportion of people demanding work, the proportion of people who failed to get a job, gender differences in employment and wages, sectoral distribution of workers, and the type of work people are engaged in, including casual labor, self-employment, and regular salaried jobs. 
5. The survey also estimates employment and unemployment indicators in both 'Usual Status' and Current Weekly Status. Additionally, the PLFS reports provide information on monthly earnings in different types of jobs, allowing for an assessment of income levels across various categories.
6. The survey uses a sample-based methodology to gather data. A representative sample of households is selected, and information is collected from individuals within those households.
7. Unemployment Rate: One of the key indicators derived from the PLFS is the unemployment rate, which indicates the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment.
8. PLFS also provides insights into the informal sector, including self-employed individuals and those working in small enterprises, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse nature of employment in India
9. The survey findings have significant policy implications, as they inform policymakers about the effectiveness of existing employment and labor market policies. It aids in the formulation of strategies to address unemployment and underemployment challenges.
10. The PLFS dashboard provides access to the survey data, and the survey is considered a primary source for monitoring global commitments on the world of work, including under Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.