Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Records India's Unemployment Rate Decline from 6.0% to 3.2%

Key facts

• Unemployment rate on usual status for persons aged 15 years and above declined from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24.
• In Maharashtra, unemployment rate on usual status dropped from 4.8% in 2017-18 to 3.3% in 2023-24.
• Maharashtra rural unemployment declined from 3.2% to 2.1%.
• Maharashtra urban unemployment reduced from 7.4% to 5.2%.
• Unemployment for 15-year-plus population stood at 5.1% in August 2025 and 5.2% in September 2025.
• Rural unemployment was 4.3% in August 2025 and 4.6% in September 2025.
• Urban unemployment was 6.7% in August 2025 and 6.8% in September 2025.
• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana targets creation of over 3.5 crore jobs over two years with Rs 99,446 crore outlay.
• Code on Social Security, 2020 provides paid maternity leave of 26 weeks and mandatory crèche facility in establishments having 50 or more employees.