An editorial titled "Express View on CMIE Data: A Dissonant Note" was featured in The Indian Express on August 23, 2023. This article delved into the analysis on employment statistics drawn from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The analysis mentioned that India's labor force has undergone a notable transformation over the past seven years, resulting in the gradual aging of its workforce and a concerning decline in employment opportunities in different age groups.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), however, portrays a completely different picture all together. As per the PLFS, India's labor market is undergoing discernible expansion.

Scrutinizing the PLFS findings, it becomes evident that the participation of the youth, aged 15 to 29 years, within the labor market has showcased an encouraging trajectory. Specifically, the engagement of this demographic within the workforce surged to 36.8 percent in the 2021-22 PLFS compared to 31.4 percent in the 2017-18 PLFS.

Notably, this positive trend extends beyond the youth age-group. Participation rates among older cohorts also experienced an upward swing. For instance, the share of individuals aged 30-34 years in the workforce expanded from 61.1 percent in 2017-18 to 66.5 percent in 2021-22.

Similarly, the participation figures for individuals aged 35-39 and 40-44 years rose to 71.1 percent and 73.7 percent in 2021-22 from 64.0 percent and 65.7 percent in 2017-18, respectively. Even the senior age brackets demonstrated heightened workforce involvement. Overall, the engagement of individuals aged 15 years and above in usual status climbed from 46.8 percent in 2017-18 to 52.9 percent in 2021-22.

Consequently, the PLFS data elucidates a burgeoning trend of youth and individuals from varied age groups actively embracing the workforce. The evolving employment landscape in India is marked by a rising trajectory.

It's imperative to note at this juncture that the data produced by some private agencies is based on their own methodology and definitions which may not be consistent with national or international standards. Such data are many time accompanied by inherent intricacies and may have to be used with caution.

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MJPS

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