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Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Monthly Bulletin [April 2025]

Context

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the first Monthly Bulletin for April 2025, based on the revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). This bulletin provides high-frequency estimates of important labour market indicators such as Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) for individuals aged 15 years and above in both rural and urban areas.

Relevance

GS 3 ( Indian Economy )

Key Highlights

Labour Force Participation Rate ( LFPR )

• Overall: 55.6%
• Rural: 58.0%
• Urban: 50.7%
• Males:
  • Rural: 79.0%
  • Urban: 75.3%
• Females:
  • Rural: 38.2%
  • Urban: 25.7%

Worker Population Ratio ( WPR )

• Overall: 52.8%
• Rural: 55.4%
• Urban: 47.4%
• Female WPR:
  • Rural: 36.8%
  • Urban: 23.5%

Unemployment Rate ( UR )

• Overall: 5.1%
• Male: 5.2% Female: 5.0%
• Youth ( 15–29 yrs ): Higher unemployment at 13.8% overall

Structural & Methodological Changes ( From Jan 2025 )

Revamped Sample Design:

• Rotational Panel Scheme: Each household is surveyed 4 times over 4 months.
• FSUs ( Field Survey Units ) matched 75% between two consecutive months.

Sample Size ( April 2025 ):

• FSUs: 7,511 ( 4,140 rural + 3,371 urban )
• Households: 89,434
• Persons: 3,80,838

Improved Sampling Rigour:

• Households per FSU increased from 8 to 12.
• Revised stratification and selection methods for FSUs.
• Changes in the Schedule of Inquiry implemented.

Sectoral & Gender Insights

Youth Unemployment ( 15–29 yrs ):

• Rural: 12.3%
• Urban: 17.2%

Female UR ( Urban ):

• 23.7% — a concerning indicator of urban female joblessness.

Gender Gaps:

• LFPR: Urban Female: 25.7% | Rural Female: 38.2%
• WPR: Urban Female: 23.5% | Rural Female: 36.8%
• Overall female participation remains low across sectors.

Comparability Note

Data from January 2025 onward is not directly comparable with older PLFS due to:

• Revised sampling framework
• Rotational panel design
• Updated Schedule of Inquiry

Significance

•  The first Monthly PLFS Bulletin ( April 2025 ) marks the beginning of high-frequency labour market data. 
•  It enhances the timeliness of labour statistics for policy interventions. 
•  The bulletin helps track seasonal and gendered employment trends. 

DRDO develops high-pressure polymeric membrane for sea water desalination

Key Innovation

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has created a homegrown nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane intended for high-pressure seawater desalination.
• This membrane was developed by the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, a DRDO laboratory, specifically for use in Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships.

Purpose and Utility

• The membrane is designed to tackle the stability issue caused by chloride ions in saline water, which is a significant challenge in marine environments.
• It meets the operational needs of ICG vessels, such as Offshore Patrolling Vessels (OPVs).

Testing and Trials

• Initial technical trials have been successfully carried out on an existing desalination plant aboard an ICG OPV.
• The safety and performance results of the membrane during these trials were found to be fully satisfactory.
• However, final operational clearance is pending after 500 hours of continuous operational testing.

Strategic Significance

• The development of this membrane was completed in an impressive time frame of 8 months, showcasing DRDO’s capability for agile innovation.
• This advancement will significantly boost self-reliance in crucial marine technology and is in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Civilian Potential

• With some modifications, the membrane has the potential for civilian application in coastal desalination plants.
• This could help address water scarcity issues in coastal and island regions.

Key Themes

• Indigenization of critical technology 
• Strengthening maritime capabilities 
• Public-sector research and development efficiency 
• Dual-use technology for defence and civil sectors 
• Fast-tracked innovation in response to strategic needs