Myth of Employment Growth in India: A Reality Check

This paper examines the recent surge in employment figures in India, which is quite unexpected due to several economic disruptions, including COVID-19. This has raised numerous questions regarding the quality and conditions of these newly generated jobs. The findings clearly indicate a rise in the share of unpaid family workers, especially among women in rural areas, while the proportion of regular employment has declined in recent years. Additionally, there is a predominance of informal employment and workers in the informal sector, which is also on the rise. These trends indicate a rise in distress-driven employment and a partial recovery of the labour market post COVID-19. Addressing these challenges requires urgent policy interventions.