India has released its first-ever Monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report, marking a significant shift towards real-time employment monitoring. The report, published by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), provides detailed insights into the country's labour market for April 2025.

Key Highlights from the April 2025 PLFS Report

Unemployment Rate (UR)

1. Overall: 5.1% for individuals aged 15 years and above.
2. Urban Areas: 6.5%
3. Rural Areas: 4.5%
4. Male: 5.2%
5. Female: 5.0%
    

Youth Unemployment Rate (Aged 15–29):

1. Overall: 13.8%
2. Urban Areas: 17.2%
3. Rural Areas: 12.3%
4. Female: 14.4%
5. Male: 13.6%

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

1. Overall: 55.6%
2. Urban Areas: 50.7%
3. Rural Areas: 58.0%
4. Male: 77.7%
5. Female: 34.2%

Worker Population Ratio (WPR):

1. Overall: 52.8%
2. Urban Areas: 47.4%
3. Rural Areas: 55.4%
4. Male: 71.0%
5. Female: 23.5%

Revamped Survey Methodology : Starting January 2025, the PLFS has undergone significant methodological changes:
 

1. Monthly Rotational Panel Scheme: Each selected household is visited four times over four consecutive months, enhancing the reliability of data.
2. 
   Expanded Sample Size: The survey now covers 89,434 households, encompassing 3.8 lakh individuals across both rural and urban areas.
3. Enhanced Questionnaire: Additional data points have been incorporated, including:
4. Details on education and vocational training.
5. Information on land possession and leasing.
6. Household income from rent, pension, interest, and remittances.
7. Reporting Period Adjustment: The survey's reporting period has shifted to a calendar year basis, beginning January 2025, replacing the previous July–June cycle.

The NSO plans to continue this monthly reporting, with the next bulletin scheduled for release on June 15, 2025. Additionally, the first quarterly bulletin covering both rural and urban areas for April–June 2025 is expected in August 2025.