NEW DELHI: The labour force participation rate (LFPR) in Jammu and Kashmir’s urban areas increased to 41.3 per cent in the period from July 2023 to June 2024, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report. The previous survey for the quarter of July-September 2024 recorded the region’s LFPR at 40.6 per cent, indicating a positive trend in workforce engagement.
According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in the Rajya Sabha, the all-India urban LFPR stood at 40.0 per cent for 2023-24, slightly lower than Jammu and Kashmir’s figure. The Quarterly Bulletin for July-September 2024 placed the national LFPR at 39.6 per cent. These figures highlight the region’s improving labour market scenario in comparison to the national average.
The labour force participation rate measures the percentage of people aged 15 and above who are either employed or actively seeking employment. The increase in Jammu and Kashmir’s LFPR suggests a growing engagement of the population in economic activities, despite structural employment challenges in the region.
The government has implemented multiple employment generation schemes to boost participation rates. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) are aimed at improving job availability and skill development. Additionally, the National Career Service (NCS) portal provides digital employment support through job matching, career counselling, and vocational training.
