The unemployment rate in urban areas eased marginally to 6.6% in April-June 2024 from 6.7% in the previous quarter, due to a sharp fall in unemployment among males. The unemployment rate of males fell to 5.8% in Q1FY25 from 6.1% in Q4FY24, while that of females rose to 9% from 8.5%

However, as compared to the year ago period (Q1FY24), the unemployment rate in Q1FY25 remained flat, data from the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) bulletin showed.

The unemployment figure has been determined through tracking activity on the basis of a reference period of last 7 days preceding the date of survey is known as the current weekly status (CWS) of the person. “The relative increase in self employment may have helped in moderating unemployment,” said Lekha Chakraborty, professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.

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The labour force participation rate (LFPR)–persons working or seeking work in the population–eased marginally to 50.1% in Q1FY25 from 50.2% in the previous quarter, but was way above 48.8% print in Q1FY24.

The worker population ratio (WPR), percentage of employed persons in the population, also fell a bit to 50.1% in Q1FY25 from 50.2% in Q4FY24.

The Economic Survey 2023-24 had said that the unemployment rate has been on a declining trend since the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by a rise in LFPR and WPR.

Over the past decade, India has witnessed a notable transformation in its employment landscape, marked by several positive trends contributing to economic growth and social development. This evolution is a result of various factors, including economic reforms, technological advancements, and an emphasis on skill development, it had said.