PLFS Monthly Bulletin – August 2025: UR declined 2nd consecutive month to 5.1%

Current Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin for August 2025, released on 15 Sept 2025 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Reported a decline in the Unemployment Rate (UR) to 5.1%.

• This marked the second consecutive monthly fall (from 5.6% in June and 5.2% in July 2025).
• The Rural Unemployment Rate dropped to 4.3%, while the Urban Unemployment Rate eased to 6.7%.
• Among genders, the Male Unemployment Rate fell to 5.0% (a 5‑month low), while the Female Unemployment Rate edged up slightly to 5.2%.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) improved to 55%, with Female LFPR rising to 33.7%, reflecting stronger workforce engagement.
• The bulletin highlighted that India’s labour market is showing resilience and recovery momentum.

Question:

Q.1 According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) August 2025, India’s overall Unemployment Rate (UR) stood at:
a) 5.6%
b) 5.2%
c) 5.1%
d) 4.9%

Answer: c) The overall Unemployment Rate (UR) declined to 5.1% in August 2025, continuing the fall from 5.6% in June and 5.2% in July.