Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in its Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has showed the unemployment rate among people aged 15 and above grew slightly to 5.1% in the month of March 2026 from 4.9% in February this year, owed to high unemployment in urban areas. During March, the unemployment rate in Urban India edged up to 6.8% from 6.6% in February 2026, while it rose to 4.3% in March 2026 in Rural India from 4.2% in February 2026. Meanwhile, joblessness among rural females remained almost stable during March, whereas it grew marginally among males in March as compared with last month.
The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among persons aged 15 years and above during the month of March was reported at 55.4%, slightly lower than 55.9% in February. During the month, Urban LFPR showed a steady trend, while Rural LFPR declined to 58% as compared to 58.7% last month. Further, Female LFPR was declined to 34.4% in March as against 35.3% in February. Female LFPR in rural areas was found to be 38.9% in March 2026, while the same stood at 25.2% in urban areas during the month.
The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) in the age group 15 years and above was largely remained stable in Urban areas in March, whereas it fell in Rural areas. The overall WPR slumped to 52.6% in March from 53.25% in February. The WPR in Urban areas came slightly lower at 46.8% in March as compared to 47.0% in February. In Rural areas, the WPR fell to 55.5% in March from 56.3% in February.
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