Stable unemployment rate
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Context
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July 2023 to June 2024 was released by the Labour Bureau, providing important information about the employment scenario in India. The report provides an overview of unemployment rates and participation trends across different demographics.
Why in the news?
The PLFS report has drawn attention for showing a stable unemployment rate while highlighting an improvement in women's workforce participation amid ongoing concerns about overall job growth in the economy.
Background
The Centre has faced criticism over rising unemployment and declining female employment rates. The PLFS aims to shed light on these issues and provide updated statistics on labor force participation rate (LFPR) and employment trends across sectors.
Improving female workforce participation
The survey shows an encouraging trend in women's participation in the workforce. This shift is significant in countering previous criticisms directed at the government about declining female employment opportunities.
Gender-specific labor force participation rates
The LFPR for men increased from 75.8% in 2017-18 to 78.8% in 2023-24. For women, the rate increased from 23.3% to 41.7%. Notably, the participation rate of Muslim women increased from 15% to 21.4%, while that of Hindu women increased from 26.1% to 33.3%.
Reduction in unemployment rate
The report shows a reduction in the unemployment rate, with that in rural areas declining from 5.3% in 2017-18 to 2.5% in 2023-24. Urban unemployment also declined from 7.7% to 5.1%, keeping the overall unemployment rate at 3.2%, which is in line with last year's data.
Stable unemployment rate chart
The static unemployment rate chart shows India's unemployment rate from 2017 to 2023, which has remained stable for the last two years -
Year Unemployment rate
2017 - 18 6.1
2018 - 19 5.8
2019 - 20 4.8
2020 - 21 4.2
2021 - 22 4.1
2022 - 23 3.2
2023 - 24 3.2
Experts' concerns on employment scenario
Despite the report reporting improvement, experts express concern on the employment scenario. Labour economist Santosh Mehrotra pointed out that the survey reflects a grim scenario, with no significant progress in youth unemployment or overall job creation.
He criticized the government's interpretation of the LFPR rise as a positive indicator, mainly due to unpaid family labor in agriculture.
Dominance of agriculture in employment
The report indicates a rising share of agricultural workers, raising concerns about the sustainability of employment trends. Mehrotra stressed that this trend reflects a reversal in the search for non-agricultural jobs, which contributes to stagnation in more productive sectors such as manufacturing.
Why is agriculture dominating employment?
The growing dominance of agriculture in employment can be attributed to several factors, including economic stagnation in urban job markets and a lack of diversification in the rural economy.
As opportunities in manufacturing and services shrink, more individuals are returning to agriculture, often due to the unavailability of alternative livelihoods.
Conclusion
The findings of the PLFS present a complex picture of the Indian employment landscape. While there have been positive developments in women’s participation and declining unemployment rates, the heavy reliance on agriculture for job creation raises concerns about the quality and sustainability of employment.
Way Forward
To improve the employment scenario, it is important for the government to focus on increasing employment opportunities in manufacturing and services. Policies focused on skills development, diversification of the rural economy and support for women's employment will be essential in creating a more balanced and resilient workforce.
Tuvalu struggles to retain maritime boundaries amid alarming sea level rise
Context
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is a group of 11,000 inhabitants living across nine atolls. The country faces existential threats from climate change, particularly rising sea levels, which threaten its very existence.
Why in the news?
Recent projections by NASA scientists indicate that by 2050, the daily tides will submerge half of Funafuti, the main atoll, where 60% of Tuvalu's population lives.
This alarming prediction has put Tuvalu in the global spotlight as it grapples with the effects of climate change.
Background
Tuvaluans have historically relied on their land and sea for sustenance, but changing environmental conditions are seriously affecting their livelihoods.
In 2023, Tuvalu signed a climate and security treaty with Australia, allowing for the annual migration of 280 residents starting in 2025, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Reliance on rainwater amid saltwater encroachment
As saltwater inundation depletes groundwater, Tuvaluans rely heavily on rainwater tanks and a central garden for their vegetable crops. The shift shows the extent of climate change's impact on agricultural practices and food security in the country.
The Difficult Decision to Leave
For many Tuvaluans, the prospect of emigrating is an intense emotional challenge. Mani Mani, a 32-year-old IT worker from Fongafale, expressed difficulty leaving behind the culture, family and heritage that define his identity.
Efforts to Buy Time Against Climate Change
In response to immediate threats, Tuvalu is building sea walls and barriers on Funafuti to cope with worsening storm surges. The nation has already created 17.3 acres of artificial land and plans to expand it to keep the land above sea level by 2100.
Seeking Legal Assurances for Sovereignty
As migration becomes a more viable option, Tuvaluan diplomats are seeking legal recognition to secure the nation's sovereignty even if its land is submerged.
The strategy involves maintaining a resident presence to support its claim to statehood in international forums.
Advocating for permanent maritime boundaries
At the upcoming UN meeting on sea-level rise, Prime Minister Feleti Teo will seek support to recognise Tuvalu’s maritime boundaries as permanent despite potential submergence. The UN’s International Law Commission has indicated a “strong belief” that statehood can be sustained under such circumstances.
Regional and international support
Tuvalu has garnered support from neighboring countries in the Pacific Islands Forum, who affirm that the region’s maritime boundaries remain stable.
Additionally, 15 governments, including some from Asia and Europe, have signed agreements to support Tuvalu’s claim to maritime boundaries amid rising sea levels.
Conclusion
Tuvalu’s situation is a stark representation of the challenges posed by climate change to low-lying island nations. As rising tides threaten their homes and livelihoods, both national and international action is urgently needed.
The Way Forward
Tuvalu should continue its advocacy for legal protections and support for climate change adaptation.
Strengthening regional alliances and securing international recognition of its sovereignty and marine rights will be critical to the nation’s survival as it deals with the complexities of climate change.
