Based on secondary data from 1987–88 to 2009–10 this paper analyzes the trends in overall employment in the post reform era with a special focus on the employment in industrial sector which is one of the areas which are most affected by economic reforms. This entire study is comprised of four parts. Second part is review of literature. Third section analyzes overall employment trends in post reform period with a detailed analysis of employment situation in industrial sector. Fourth and final part is concluding observations. Study reveals that industrial sector witnessed the highest employment growth rate in post reform period still; its share in total employment has seen a stagnant growth. Most of the increase in employment in this sector has occurred due to enlargement of informal employment. Wages saw an upward trend in this sector but high employment generating sub-sectors like manufacturing has witnessed a slower rate of growth in wages because of its large scale informalisation. So though the employment in this sector has increased its quality has decelerated. Expansion in qualitative employment in this sector is crucial for achieving faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth.
economic reforms, industrial employment, informal workers, average industrial wage
