PLFS July 2025: Unemployment Dips to 5.2%

Current Context: On 18 August 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data for April–June 2025 (Quarterly) and July 2025 (Monthly).

• The Unemployment Rate (UR) was 5.4% for the quarter and 5.2% for July, with rural recovery and rising female employment driving the decline.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 54.9%, with female LFPR improving to 33.3%.
• The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) remained steady at 52%, with rural WPR higher than urban.
• Sectoral data showed 70.9% of rural female workers in agriculture, while urban women dominated the tertiary sector.
• Under the revamped PLFS, both rural and urban estimates are now released monthly and quarterly using rotational panel sampling.
• These insights support targeted employment policies and gender-inclusive growth strategies.

Question:

Q.1 What was India’s Unemployment Rate (UR) for April–June 2025 as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
a) 4.8%
b) 5.4%
c) 5.2%
d) 6.1%

Answer: b) The Unemployment Rate (UR) stood at 5.4% in the April–June 2025 quarter, higher than July’s 5.2%.