What is Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The PLFS collects data on various aspects of employment, including labour force participation rate (LFPR), worker population ratio (WPR), and unemployment rate (UR).
- 2.
The survey covers both usual status and current weekly status of employment. Usual status considers employment over a longer reference period (365 days), while current weekly status considers employment in the past 7 days.
- 3.
The PLFS provides separate estimates for rural and urban areas, allowing for a detailed analysis of regional differences in employment patterns.
- 4.
The survey collects information on the type of employment, such as self-employment, regular wage/salaried employment, and casual labour.
- 5.
The PLFS uses a rotating panel design in urban areas, where households are visited multiple times over a period of one year. This helps in tracking changes in employment status over time.
Visual Insights
Evolution of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Key milestones in the development and implementation of the PLFS.
The PLFS was launched to provide more frequent and timely data on employment and unemployment in India, addressing the limitations of previous surveys. It has become a crucial tool for monitoring the impact of economic policies on employment.
- Pre-2017Employment data collected through NSSO surveys (every 5 years).
- 2017Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) launched in April.
- 2017PLFS replaces NSSO employment-unemployment surveys.
- 2023NSO releases annual PLFS report for July 2022 - June 2023.
- 2026PLFS data shows unemployment rate at 4.8% in Q3, but salaried job share declines.
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
India's Unemployment Rate Falls, Salaried Job Share Declines in Q3
EconomyUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and what are its main objectives?
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) to estimate employment and unemployment indicators in India. Its main objectives are to provide yearly estimates of employment and unemployment and to track changes in employment trends over short periods.
Exam Tip
Remember that PLFS is conducted by NSO and focuses on employment/unemployment data.
2. What are the key provisions covered by the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
The PLFS covers several key provisions related to employment and unemployment: * Labour force participation rate (LFPR) * Worker population ratio (WPR) * Unemployment rate (UR) * Usual status and current weekly status of employment * Separate estimates for rural and urban areas * Type of employment (self-employment, regular wage/salaried, casual labour)
- •Labour force participation rate (LFPR)
