Rise in Female Labour Force Participation Says Economic Survey

The Economic Survey for 2024-25 highlighted a significant rise in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India, driven largely by women in rural areas joining the workforce. This increase is considered a key factor contributing to the improvement of overall labour market indicators in the country. The findings were presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 31, 2025, during the tabling of the survey in Parliament. The surge in FLFPR has been attributed to government schemes, women’s entrepreneurship initiatives, and better inclusion of women in economic activities. Below are the key takeaways from the survey:

Key Points

Increase in FLFPR

• From 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
• 21 States have a FLFPR ranging between 30% and 40%.
• 7 States/UTs report FLFPR above 40%, with Sikkim leading at 56.9%.

Rural Women’s Participation

• Rural FLFPR increased from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 47.6% in 2023-24.
• Government initiatives, particularly under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM), played a significant role in enhancing rural women’s workforce participation.

Government Initiatives

• Skilling initiatives and better access to credit for rural women contributed to a rise in women’s economic participation.
• Focus on women’s entrepreneurship was enhanced, with 73,151 start-ups having at least one woman director as of October 31, 2024, representing nearly half of the total start-ups under the Startup India Initiative.

Challenges for Rural Women Entrepreneurs

• Limited business skills, market access, technology gaps, and lack of mentorship are significant barriers.
• Government support mechanisms, including improved credit access, formalization of businesses, and enhanced delivery of services, are essential for empowering women entrepreneurs.

Periodic Labour Force Survey

• Conducted in selected districts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh (November 2024) to capture more women in unpaid work.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Rise in Female Labour Force Participation Says Economic Survey
FLFPR Growth (2017-18 to 2023-24)	23.3% to 41.7%
States with FLFPR of 30-40%	21 States
States/UTs with FLFPR > 40%	7 States/UTs (Sikkim: 56.9%)
Rural FLFPR Growth	24.6% (2017-18) to 47.6% (2023-24)
Government Schemes	DAY-NRLM, Startup India Initiative
Women Start-ups with Directors	73,151 start-ups (Half of total start-ups)
Key Challenges for Rural Women Entrepreneurs	Limited skills, market access, technology gaps, lack of mentorship
PLFS 2023-24 Focus Areas	Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh