It analyses female LFPR using data from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2017-18 to 2022-23. 

• LFPR is calculated as ‘percentage of employed & unemployed individuals (seeking/available for work) relative to the total population aged 15 years & above’.

Key Highlights 

• Current Status: Female LFPR increased in almost all states; however it exhibits variation.
  • Rural-urban variation: Rural female LFPR surged from 24.6% to 41.5% (~69% growth), while urban LFPR rose modestly from 20.4% to 25.4% (~25% growth).
  • Regional Variation: States like Jharkhand, Bihar, etc. saw significant increase in LFPR while Goa & Lakshadweep saw a marginal decline in rural female LFPR.
• Factors Influencing female LFPR
  • Age: A female LFPR show a bell-shaped curve i.e. Increases during 20–30 years, peaks during 30–40 years, & declines sharply after. 
    • Male LFPR remains high (~100%) from ages 30–50, declining gradually thereafter.
  • Marriage: Marriage lowers LFPR of women significantly, but decline is much higher in urban areas compared to rural areas.
  • Parenthood: Presence of children under 14 years of age affects female LFPR significantly, especially for younger women (20–35 years) & more strongly in urban areas.