Indian Society and Social Issues : February 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Female Genital Mutilation

Context

Recently, UN agencies reported that in 2024, approximately 4.4 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation globally.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) encompasses all procedures that involve altering or injuring female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, the health, and the integrity of girls and women.

• Prevalence: FGM is primarily concentrated in Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern Africa, as well as certain Middle Eastern and Asian countries. However, due to increased migration, it has become a global concern, impacting girls and women in Europe, Australia, and North America.
• Impacts: Girls subjected to FGM experience short-term complications like severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in urination. Moreover, there are long-term consequences for their sexual, reproductive, and mental health.
• Status in India: Currently, there is no legislation banning the practice of FGM in India. While in 2017, the Ministry of Women and Child Development stated that there was no official data supporting the existence of FGM in India, unofficial reports suggest its prevalence among the Bohra community in states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

Challenges in Eradicating FGM

• Cultural and Social Norms: FGM is deeply entrenched in cultural and social norms, making it challenging to change.
• Lack of Awareness and Education: Many individuals in practicing communities may not comprehend the harmful consequences of FGM due to lack of awareness and education.
• Lack of Adequate Data Collection and Reporting: Limited data on FGM prevalence impedes targeted interventions.

Global Initiatives Towards Eradication

UNFPA and UNICEF have been leading the largest global program on the elimination of FGM since 2008. The UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in 2012.

2024 Theme: Her Voice. Her Future

The United Nations aims for the full elimination of FGM by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.3.

Way Forward

• Legislation and Policy Enforcement: Strengthening laws to explicitly ban FGM and ensure effective enforcement.
• Awareness and Education: Launching comprehensive campaigns to educate communities about the harmful effects of FGM.
• Inclusion in Human Rights Framework: Advocating for FGM prevention and response measures to be included in international human rights frameworks.

Lymphatic Filariasis

Context 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.

• The campaign aims to curb disease transmission by providing free preventive medications to residents in areas affected by the disease twice a year.
• India aims to end Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.

Lymphatic Filariasis

• Commonly known as elephantiasis, it is a neglected tropical disease.
• Cause: Infection with filarial parasites (nematodes) (Wuchereria bancrofti (90% of cases), Brugia malayi (most remaining cases), Brugia timori).
• These worms affect the lymphatic system, leading to pain, disability, and social stigma.
• Transmission: Mosquitoes transmit mature larvae to humans through bites.
• Symptoms: Lymphedema (Swelling due to lymphatic dysfunction), elephantiasis (swelling of body parts (e.g., legs, arms, breasts, genitals)).
• Preventive Measures and Treatment: Chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations.

Building An Inclusive Society Through SMILE

Context

In 2021, the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme was initiated, aiming to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat. This included the launch of the Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Transgender Persons.

What is the SMILE Scheme?

• About: The SMILE Scheme merges existing schemes for beggars and transgender individuals. Its sub-schemes provide comprehensive welfare and rehabilitation measures to these communities, utilizing existing shelter homes or establishing new ones as needed.
• Focus: The scheme emphasizes rehabilitation, medical facilities, counseling, documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages, and more. It aims to benefit approximately 60,000 of the poorest individuals, providing scholarships, skill development, livelihood support, medical assistance, and housing facilities.
• Implementation: Implemented with support from state/UT governments, local urban bodies, voluntary organizations, community-based organizations, and institutions. It includes provisions for monitoring offenses, a national portal, and helpline for assistance.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Transgenders: Implemented on a pilot basis in selected cities with significant populations of beggars and transgender individuals.

Problems Faced by Transgenders

• Societal Stigma and Social Exclusion: Leading to mental health issues, substance abuse, and reduced quality of life.
• Stereotyping and Misrepresentation: Limiting opportunities for employment, education, and healthcare.
• Family Rejection: Leaving individuals without support and economic stability.
• Discrimination and Violence: Threats to safety and well-being.
• Educational and Employment Barriers: Hinder access to education and career opportunities.
• Healthcare Disparities: Deter transgender individuals from seeking medical care.
• Legal Ambiguity and Lack of Comprehensive Policies: Hindering legal recognition and comprehensive rights.

Uplifting Transgender Persons

• Empowering legal systems and sensitizing law enforcement.
• Inclusive policies and increased public participation.
• Addressing social concerns through legal aid and education.
• Ensuring financial security and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Addressing the needs of transgender prisoners through awareness and documentation.

Report on Climate and Catastrophe Insight

Context

Recently, the 2024 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report has been published by a risk-mitigation service provider Aon PLC, which highlighted that the year 2023 recorded significant damages due to Natural Disasters. Aon plc is a leading provider of advice and solutions for commercial, reinsurance, retirement, health, and data & analytic services in over 120 countries and sovereignties. Their mission is to shape decisions for the better, protecting and enriching the lives of people around the world.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Increased Damages and Record-Breaking Events:
• In 2023, the world witnessed 398 notable natural disasters, resulting in a staggering USD 380 billion in economic losses. 
• These losses surpassed the estimated economic loss in 2022 and marked the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgent need for better disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and increased resilience.
• Weather-Related Factors and Vulnerabilities:
• 95% of the natural disasters (that occurred in 2023) causing damages exceeding USD 1 billion were attributed to Weather-related factors. 
• From extreme heat to severe storms and earthquakes, these events highlight the threat posed by catastrophe risk to our lives and livelihoods.
• Protection Gap and Insurance Coverage:
• Insurance only paid out USD 118 billion, or 31%, of the total damages incurred indicating a significant “protection gap” of approximately 69% as opposed to 58% in 2022. 
• The majority of disaster losses were covered in the US, whereas most of the losses in three other regions — Americas (Non-US), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia and Pacific (APAC) — were uninsured. 
• The widest protection gap of around 91% existed in the APAC region, followed by 87% for non-US Americas and the EMEA.

Global and Regional Insights

• US: Economic losses from natural disasters reached USD 114 billion, with insurance covering 70%. Severe convective storms (SCS) contributed significantly to the financial toll.
• Americas (Non-US): Insurance covered only USD 6 billion of the USD 45 billion in economic losses. Hurricane Otis occurred in Mexico's southern Pacific coast, stood out as the costliest individual event. Drought impacted several regions in South America.
• Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA): The region faced USD 150 billion in economic losses due to natural catastrophes, driven by devastating earthquakes. The Turkey and Syria earthquake had a significant impact.
• Asia and Pacific: Economic losses hit USD 65 billion with a protection gap of 91% as insurance losses reached USD 6 billion. Flooding events resulted in USD 1.4 billion of insured losses in China and USD 1.3 billion in New Zealand. A multi-week-long heatwave impacted many countries in South and Southeastern Asia.

Recommendations

• There is a need to use climate analytics as catalysts that can provide forward-looking diagnostics for a range of extreme events. There is a need for the organisations – from insurers to highly impacted sectors such as construction, agriculture and real estate — to utilise forward-looking diagnostics to help analyse climate trends and mitigate the risk, as well as protecting their own workforces. 
• The insurance industry can play a pivotal role in unlocking and speeding up the flow of capital into green investments and volatility management through innovative risk transfer programmes.

Significance of Disaster Preparedness, Risk Management, and Resilience-Building

• Disaster Preparedness: It refers to proactive measures taken before a disaster occurs to enhance readiness and response.
• Risk Management: It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with disasters.
• Resilience-Building: It refers to a community’s ability to bounce back after a disaster.

Role of Insurance Coverage in Mitigating Economic Losses

• Safety Net in Difficult Times: High Inflation and economic volatility can lead to unexpected financial losses and during such periods, insurance acts as a safety net.
• Increased Risk Awareness: Financial shocks prompt consumers to become more cautious and aware of risks.
• Economic Development and Stability: Insurance turns accumulated capital into productive investments.
• Disaster Mitigation and Risk Reduction: Insurance companies increasingly contribute to disaster mitigation by encouraging policyholders to invest in risk reduction measures.

Initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction

• Global: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, The Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS), International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Green Climate Fund’s Sectoral Guide on Climate Information & Early Warning Systems.
• India’s Initiatives: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Society (CDRIS), National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).

Global Burden of Cancer: WHO

Context

Ahead of World Cancer Day (4th February), the World Health Organization (WHO)’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), released the latest estimates of the Global Burden of Cancer in 2022. The IARC estimates highlighted the growing burden of cancer, the disproportionate impact on underserved populations, and the urgent need to address cancer inequities worldwide.

Key Highlights of the Global Burden of Cancer in 2022 by WHO

• Global Burden: In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime.
• Common Cancer Types: 10 types of cancer collectively comprised around two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022. Lung cancer was the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide with 2.5 million new cases accounting for 12.4% of the total new cases. Female breast cancer ranked second (2.3 million cases, 11.6%), followed by colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer.
• Leading Causes of Death: Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death (1.8 million deaths, 18.7% of the total cancer deaths) followed by colorectal cancer (900 000 deaths, 9.3%), liver cancer, breast cancer and stomach cancer.
• Cancer Inequities: Striking inequities exist in the cancer burden according to human development. This is particularly true for breast cancer. In countries with a very high HDI (Human Development Index), 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 71 women die of it. By contrast, in countries with a low HDI; while only one in 27 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, one in 48 women will die from it. Women in lower HDI countries are 50% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women in high HDI countries, yet they are at a much higher risk of dying of the disease due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to quality treatment.
• Projected Burden Increase: Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. The rapidly growing global cancer burden reflects both population ageing and growth, as well as changes to people’s exposure to risk factors, several of which are associated with socioeconomic development. Tobacco, alcohol and obesity are key factors behind the increasing incidence of cancer, with air pollution still a key driver of environmental risk factors. In terms of the absolute burden, high HDI countries are expected to experience the greatest absolute increase in incidence, with an additional 4.8 million new cases predicted in 2050 compared with 2022 estimates.
• Call for Action: There is an urgent need for major investments to address global inequities in cancer outcomes and to ensure access to affordable, quality cancer care for all individuals regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status.

Key Findings Related to India

India reported 1,413,316 new cases in 2022 with a higher proportion of female patients — 691,178 men and 722,138 women. Breast cancer had the highest proportion in the country, with 192,020 new cases, accounting for 13.6% of all patients and over 26% in women. In India, breast cancer was followed by lip and oral cavity (143,759 new cases, 10.2%), cervix and uterine, lung, and oesophagal cancers.

Key Facts Related to World Cancer Day

• About: World Cancer Day is an international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) celebrated on 4th February every year. Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the body that causes lump or tumour in most causes. It was first celebrated on 4th February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
• Theme 2024: Close the Care Gap. The theme aims to mobilise the necessary attention and resources to ensure that the rising burden of cancer can be addressed in an equal manner across the globe and that all people in the world have access to systematic testing, and early diagnosis and treatment.

World Leprosy Day

Context

World Leprosy Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of January. In India, it is observed on 30th January every year, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

What is the Purpose of World Leprosy Day Observation?

The theme for World Leprosy Day 2024 is “Beat Leprosy”. This theme encapsulates the dual objectives of the day: to eradicate the stigma associated with leprosy and to promote the dignity of people affected by the disease. The primary objective of the day is to raise awareness among the general public about the stigma associated with leprosy. Educating people that leprosy is caused by a specific bacteria and is easily treatable forms a crucial part of the awareness campaign.

What is Leprosy?

• About: Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called “Mycobacterium leprae”. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Leprosy is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age. Leprosy is not inherited, but it is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
• Classification: Paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) are classifications of leprosy. PB leprosy includes all smear-negative cases (smaller bacterial load), while MB leprosy includes all smear-positive (more infectious compared to smear-negative PTB) cases.
• Treatment: Leprosy is curable and treatment during early stages can prevent disability. The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. The combination is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT). MDT has been made available through the World Health Organization (WHO) free of cost to all patients worldwide since 1995.

Global Burden of Leprosy

• Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported every year. In 2022, 182 countries reported over 1.65 lakh cases of leprosy, including 174,087 new cases. 
• According to the WHO, most countries with high rates of new leprosy cases are in the WHO African and South-East Asia Regions.

India and Leprosy

• India has achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem as per WHO criteria of less than 1 case per 10,000 population at the National level in 2005. 
• Leprosy is endemic in several states and union territories of India. The prevalence rate of leprosy is 0.4 per 10,000 population in the country.

Initiatives Taken

• The Global Leprosy Strategy: In 2016 WHO launched the Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020, which aims to reinvigorate efforts to control leprosy and avert disabilities, especially among children still affected by the disease in endemic countries.
• Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL): The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy is a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to ending leprosy.
• India:
• National Strategic Plan (NSP) & Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27): It is launched to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027 i.e. three years before the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3.
• National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP): The NLEP is a Centrally Sponsored Health Scheme introduced in 1983 and it has been implemented with the major objective of reducing the disease burden, prevention of disability and improving awareness among the masses about Leprosy and its curability.

EPFO’s Employer Rating Survey

Context

In a concerted effort to promote gender parity and bolster women's engagement in the workforce, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) have jointly unveiled the Employer Rating Survey. This endeavor aims to evaluate and incentivize employers' endeavors in fostering inclusive workplaces conducive to women's professional growth.

Understanding the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

The EPFO stands as a governmental body tasked with managing provident fund and pension accounts for the organized sector workforce across India. Operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, it operates in accordance with the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Boasting a clientele of staggering proportions, the EPFO plays a pivotal role in overseeing social security-related financial transactions on a massive scale.

Key Aspects of the Employer Rating Survey

• Unveiled during the "Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat" event, the survey aims to assess employers based on their dedication to and support for enhancing women's participation in the workforce. 
• It serves as a comprehensive metric to gauge employers' progress and initiatives toward creating an inclusive work environment for women. The questionnaire, disseminated to approximately 300 million customers nationwide, encompasses crucial facets such as the establishment of internal committees addressing sexual harassment, provision of crèche facilities, late-hour transportation provisions, and adherence to equal pay principles.

State of Women’s Labor Force Participation in India

• While there has been an improvement in Women’s Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in recent years, a significant portion of this increase pertains to unpaid work. 
• As per the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS), the female participation rate escalated to 27.8% in 2022-23 from 17.5% in 2017-18. 
• However, the majority of this surge is attributed to women classified as "helpers in household enterprises" who do not receive regular remuneration. In contrast, the LFPR for males surged from 75.8% in 2017-18 to 78.5% in 2022-23.

Causes of Lower Women’s Participation in the Labor Force

Several factors contribute to the lower participation of women in the labor force:

• Patriarchal Social Norms: Deep-seated norms and gender roles often impede women's access to education and employment opportunities.
• Gender Wage Gap: Women in India encounter substantial wage disparities vis-à-vis men.
• Unpaid Care Work: Women bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and household chores.
• Social and Cultural Stigma: Prevailing societal norms often stigmatize women's participation in the workforce.
• Limited Access to Education: Unequal access to education inhibits women's entry into the labor force.

Impact of Higher Women’s Labor Participation on Society:

Elevated women’s labor participation yields myriad societal benefits:

• Economic Growth: Increased women’s participation bolsters productivity and economic output.
• Poverty Reduction: Access to income-generating opportunities alleviates poverty.
• Human Capital Development: Active women positively influence education and health outcomes.
• Gender Equality and Empowerment: Greater participation challenges traditional gender norms.
• Reduced Gender-Based Violence: Economic empowerment mitigates vulnerability to violence.
• Fertility and Population Growth: Higher participation tends to correlate with reduced fertility rates.
• Labor Market and Talent Pool: Enhances talent diversity and resource allocation.
• Innovative Solutions and Perspectives: Diverse perspectives foster innovation.

Initiatives to Safeguard Women’s Employment

Various initiatives and labor codes aim to safeguard women’s employment:

• Code of Wages, 2019
• Industrial Relations Code, 2020
• Social Security Code, 2020
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

To bolster women’s workforce participation, policies should prioritize gender equality and autonomy. Additionally, there's a need for flexible work options and cultural-contextualized solutions. Enhancing women's labor force participation isn't just about gender equity; it's a catalyst for societal advancement.

Sapinda Marriage

Context

Recently, the Delhi High Court in the case of Neetu Grover v. Union of India & Ors, 2024 has rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits marriage between two Hindus if they are “Sapindas” of each other. A sapinda marriage involves individuals who share a specific degree of familial closeness.

Why Was the Law Challenged, and What Was the Court's Ruling?

• Arguments of Petitioner: In 2007, the petitioner's marriage was declared void after her husband successfully proved that they had entered into a sapinda marriage, and that the woman was not from a community where such marriages could be considered a custom. The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of the prohibition on sapinda marriages, arguing that sapinda marriages are prevalent even when there is no proof of custom. Hence, Section 5(v) which prohibits sapinda marriages unless there is an established custom, violates the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. The petitioner also argued that if the marriage had received the consent of both families, which proved the legitimacy of the marriage.
• Delhi Court’s Order: The Delhi High Court found no merit in her arguments, holding that the petitioner did not provide “stringent proof” of an established custom, which is necessary to justify a sapinda marriage. The court held that the choice of a partner in a marriage can be subject to regulation. With this in mind, the court held that the petitioner did not present any “cogent legal ground” to show that the prohibition against sapinda marriages was violative of the right to equality.

What is a Sapinda Marriage?

• About:
  • A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are related to each other within a certain degree of closeness. Sapinda marriages are defined under Section 3 of the HMA, as two persons are said to be “sapindas” of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other in the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them.
• Lineal Ascendant:
  • Under the provisions of the HMA, on the mother’s side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who is within three generations of them in the “line of ascent”. On the father’s side, this prohibition applies to anyone within five generations of the individual.
  • In practice, this means that on their mother’s side, an individual cannot marry their sibling (first generation), their parents (second generation), their grandparents (third generation), or an individual who shares this ancestry within three generations. On their father’s side, this prohibition would extend up to their grandparents’ grandparents, and anyone who shares this ancestry within five generations.
• Section 5(v) of HMA 1955:
  • If a marriage is found to violate Section 5(v) for being a sapinda marriage, and there is no established custom that allows such a practice, it will be declared void. This would mean that the marriage was invalid from the very beginning, and will be treated as though it never took place.

What are the Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages?

• The exception is mentioned in Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and it states that if the customs of the individuals involved permit sapinda marriages, then such marriages would not be declared void.
• In other words, if there is an established custom within the community, tribe, group, or family that allows sapinda marriages, and if this custom is continuously and uniformly observed for a long time, it can be considered a valid exception to the prohibition.
• The definition of "custom" is provided in Section 3(a) of the HMA, stating that a custom must be continuously and uniformly observed for a long time and should have gained enough legitimacy among Hindus in a local area, tribe, group, or family, such that it has obtained "the force of law."
• However, certain conditions must be met for a custom to be considered valid. The rule in question must be "certain and not unreasonable or opposed to public policy," and in the case of a rule applicable only to a family, it should not have been "discontinued by the family."
• If these conditions are satisfied, and there is a valid custom permitting sapinda marriages, the marriage would not be declared void under Section 5(v) of the HMA.

Are Marriages Similar to Sapinda Marriages Allowed in Other Countries?

• France and Belgium: In France and Belgium, the crime of incest was abolished under the Penal Code of 1810, allowing marriages between consenting adults.
• Portugal: Portuguese law does not criminalise incest, implying that marriages between close relatives may not be prohibited.
• Republic of Ireland: While the Republic of Ireland recognised same-sex marriages in 2015, the law on incest has not been updated to explicitly include individuals in same-sex relationships.
• Italy: In Italy, incest is considered a crime only if it causes a "public scandal," suggesting that the legal framework takes into account certain circumstances.
• United States: In the United States, incestuous marriages are generally banned in all 50 states. However, there are variations in laws related to incestuous relationships between consenting adults. For example, New Jersey and Rhode Island allow such relationships under certain conditions.

Survey to Assess Women Participation in Workforce

Context

The Union Ministries of Labour & Employment and Women & Child Development have initiated a collaborative survey aimed at enhancing women's participation in the workforce.

About the Survey

• The survey intends to evaluate the prevalence of women-friendly practices within the employment sector of the nation. 
• Several international bodies and labor unions, including the International Labour Organization, have expressed apprehension regarding the declining trend of female workforce engagement within the country.

Recent Data – PLFS Data (2022-23)

• The latest results from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), unveiled in October 2023, portray a notable surge in women's involvement in the labor force. 
• The participation rate has escalated from 3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23. The survey encompasses inquiries concerning diverse policies, such as the establishment of internal complaints committees to combat sexual harassment, provision of daycare facilities, assurance of equal pay for equal work, introduction of flexible or remote working arrangements, and facilitation of transportation services during late hours.

About Periodic Labour Force Survey

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a comprehensive and recurrent survey orchestrated by the Government of India through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Primarily, the PLFS aims to amass data pertaining to labor force participation, employment, and unemployment across the nation. It endeavors to furnish contemporary and intricate insights into the Indian labor market, which are indispensable for policymakers, researchers, and assorted stakeholders.

PLFS Data Collection Methods

PLFS adopts two distinct data collection methodologies: Usual Status (US) and Current Weekly Status (CWS).

• Usual Status of Employment: This estimation comprises individuals who have either engaged in employment or sought/availed work for a substantial portion of the 365 days preceding the survey date. Additionally, it incorporates individuals from the remaining populace who have worked for a minimum of 30 days within the aforementioned 365-day reference period.
• Current Weekly Status (CWS): This approach entails considering individuals who have worked for at least 1 hour or sought/availed work for at least 1 hour during any day within the 7 days preceding the survey date.