The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, is organising a Data User’s Conference on Time Use Survey (TUS), 2024 on 22^nd September, 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This conference seeks to strengthen the dialogue between data producers and users, enabling deeper insights into the significance and applications of TUS data for socio-economic policymaking.

Time Use Survey (TUS) provides valuable information on how individuals allocate their time to various paid and unpaid activities, care work, learning and leisure. The TUS 2024 builds on the earlier survey of 2019 and provides comparative evidence to track changes in work and life patterns in India, particularly in the context of gender roles, and evolving socio-economic dynamics.

The Inaugural Session of the Conference will be graced by distinguished dignitaries Shri K. M. Chandrasekhar, Former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Dr. Indira Hirway, Former Director, Centre for Development Alternatives, Prof. Veeramani, Director, Centre for Development Studies (CDS) and Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General, National Sample Survey (NSS).

The event will host approximately 175 participants, comprising researchers, economists, policymakers, representatives from international organizations, representatives from civil society as well as esteemed institutions from academia and the media. Domain experts and members of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) will also be present. The inaugural session will be followed by technical sessions on design of the survey, key findings and Utility of TUS Data, a panel discussion, and an open interaction with participants. The event will foster greater awareness of the utility of TUS data and its role in shaping inclusive policies on gender, employment, and the care economy.

The Technical Session will focus on the design, methodology, and key findings of the Time Use Survey 2024, along with comparative insights from earlier rounds of the survey. Presentations will highlight the strategic applications and policy relevance of TUS data, with contributions from eminent academics and researchers. A panel discussion on “Changing Patterns of Time Use, Care Work, and Gender in a New Digital Era” will bring together experts from leading institutions, Dr. Sunny Jose, Dean School of Humanities and Sciences, SRM University, Prof. Neetha N, Centre for Women's Development Studies (CWDS),  Smt. Deepti Sharma, Visiting Asst. Professor, IIM Ahmedabad including Centre for Women’s Development Studies, SRM University, CWDS and IIM Ahmedabad and Prof. Thiagu Ranganathan, CDS to deliberate on the evolving dynamics of work, care responsibilities, and digitalisation

The event will conclude with a brief outlining of reflections and takeaways from the discussions held throughout the conference. This conference is designed to reinforce MoSPI’s commitment to enhancing the country’s statistical framework. The deliberations are expected to strengthen the relevance of the Time Use Survey in India’s statistical system, helping policymakers address critical socio-economic questions with robust data support.

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