Missing Women in the Labour Force: Detrimental to India’s Growth

By : Monika Singh, Charan Singh

Page No: 389-396

Abstract
Since 2005, India has been witnessing a continuous downward trajectory in its already low female labour force participation rate (FLPR). In 2021, India’s FLPR declined even below the rates of our neighbouring countries - Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mechanization in agriculture, lack of job opportunities in semi-urban areas, regressive socio-cultural factors, lack of frequent transportation, and lack of affordable child care are some of the reasons for such a low and declining FLPR. Increasing FLPR has both social as well as economic benefits. Higher participation of women can improve the nation’s aggregate economic productivity by ensuring optimum utilization of human talent and ensuring diversity in the workplace. High FLPR can also help in improving development indicators like child nutrition, and women empowerment.

Authors :
Monika Singh : Assistant Director, NITI Aayog, New Delhi, India.
Charan Singh : CEO, Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2023.63.04.2