The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 and above remained stable in January 2026, with urban male and female workforce participation staying consistent at 70.5% and 23.0%, respectively, compared to December 2025. In rural areas, male unemployment rates remained unchanged, with slight declines attributed to winter slowdowns and post-harvest slack. The LFPR for individuals aged 15 and above was reported at 55.9% in January, with rural LFPR at 58.7% and urban LFPR at 50.3%.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in January stood at 35.1%, with rural female LFPR at 39.7% and urban female LFPR at 25.5%. The overall Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for individuals aged 15 and above showed stability in January 2026, with urban WPR remaining steady at 70.5% for males, 23.0% for females, and 46.8% at the person level. The marginal declines in LFPR and WPR, along with an increase in the Unemployment Rate (UR) in January 2026, were mainly driven by rural factors such as seasonal influences and post-harvest slack.
The workforce in activities like construction, agriculture, transport, and small trade experienced slowdowns in winter, while urban areas remained steady. From April 2025 to January 2026, the overall workforce displayed a consistent pattern. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) serves as the primary data source on activity participation, employment, and unemployment conditions of the population.
