The female unemployment rate fell to 4.2 per cent in 2019-20 from 5.1 in 2018-19. This information was received from the National Statistical Office (NSO) Periodic Workforce Survey (PLFS). The NSO falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation. Labor and Employment Minister Rameshwara Teli gave the findings of the survey in a written reply to a question raised in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Ministry of Labor said in a statement, “The unemployment rate for women has fallen to 4.2 percent in 2019-191, from 5.1 percent in 2018-19. According to PLFS data for 2019-20, women’s share of total employment created under MGNREGA has increased to nearly 207 crore boards. Rate (LFPR) has risen from 24.5% in 2018-19 to 30% in 2019-20.
Maternity leave increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks
The government has taken several steps to improve women’s participation in the labor force, the statement said. In order to promote women’s employment, several protective provisions have been included in labor laws to create a conducive work environment for women workers. In addition to these, safety measures, including increasing the maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, provide compulsory creche or cradle housing for women employing 50 or more employees overnight.
