According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report, what was the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women in 2021-22?​

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 32.8%

Explanation:

• As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021–22, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for females aged 15 years and above was 32.8%.
• This marked a significant rise from 23.3% in 2017–18, indicating a 9.5 percentage point increase over four years.
• The increase was driven largely by rural female participation, which stood at 36.6%, compared to 23.8% in urban areas.
• LFPR includes those who are working or actively seeking work during the reference period.
• This trend reflects a positive shift in women's participation in the labour market, though challenges remain.

Information Booster:

• Male LFPR in 2021–22 was 77.2%, showing only a slight rise from previous years.
• The overall LFPR (male + female combined) increased to 55.2% in 2021–22.
• Despite improvements, India’s female LFPR remains lower than the global average.
• A large proportion of working women are engaged in informal or unpaid work, especially in agriculture and family enterprises.
• The rise in LFPR may also reflect economic distress, leading more women to seek work out of necessity.