India employment growth creates 17 crore jobs in six years, unemployment halves

New Delhi: India’s job market has transformed sharply in recent years — not only in scale but also in quality. A country once struggling with limited formal opportunities now records millions of new workers joining the economy. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, total employment rose from 47.5 crore in 2017–18 to 64.33 crore in 2023–24. That means 17 crore new jobs in six years.

The unemployment rate fell as well. It dropped from 6.0% in 2017–18 to 3.2% in 2023–24, making this one of the most encouraging employment phases in decades. Officials credit the growth to the government’s focus on job creation, skilling, and women’s empowerment.

Jobs on the rise, unemployment on the decline

The National Statistics Office’s Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) confirms this trend. Between June and August 2025, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for people aged 15 and above climbed from 54.2% to 55%. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) also increased from 51.2% to 52.2%. Compared to 2017–18, both indicators have grown by more than 10 percentage points.

From fields to offices: who’s working where

In April–June 2025, around 56.4 crore people were employed — 39.7 crore men and 16.7 crore women. Agriculture still dominates rural jobs, engaging 44.6% of rural men and 70.9% of rural women. However, in urban areas, the service sector leads. It now employs 60.6% of men and 64.9% of women, powered by technology, finance, and logistics.

Formal jobs growing faster

One of the biggest changes is the rise of formal jobs. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) added 1.29 crore net subscribers in 2024–25, more than double the 61 lakh added in 2018–19. Since 2017, 7.73 crore workers have joined EPFO, reflecting rapid formalisation.

Youth dominate this group. Nearly 60% of new subscribers are between 18 and 25 years old, showing that young workers are entering both jobs and the social security net. At the same time, self-employment rose from 52.2% in 2017–18 to 58.4% in 2023–24, while casual labour fell from 24.9% to 19.8%.

Paychecks are growing

Job creation has also lifted wages. Average daily earnings for casual labour rose from ₹294 in 2017 to ₹433 in 2024. Salaried workers’ monthly income grew from ₹16,538 to ₹21,103 in the same period. This wage growth, along with formalisation, has strengthened household incomes and expanded India’s middle class.

Women powering India’s employment story

Women’s participation is a standout factor. The female LFPR rose from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 41.7% in 2023–24. The female WPR also jumped from 22% to 40.3%. In 2024–25 alone, 26.9 lakh women became net EPFO subscribers, including 2.8 lakh in July 2025.

Government schemes like Mission Shakti, Lakhpati Didi, and Namo Drone Didi are driving this change. From drone pilots in farms to entrepreneurs in small towns, women are reshaping India’s workforce.

Technology, startups, and the new economy

Technology and startups are fuelling the jobs boom. Sectors such as healthcare, fintech, logistics, and renewable energy are generating tech-enabled work.

The gig economy is also expanding. India’s gig workforce is expected to grow from 1 crore in 2024–25 to 2.35 crore by 2029–30. The e-Shram portal now has 31.2 crore registered users, while the Code on Social Security (2020) extends welfare benefits to informal and gig workers.

India’s startup base, with 1.9 lakh recognised firms and 118 unicorns, has created over 17 lakh jobs. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) already employ two million professionals and continue to expand in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Government schemes pushing jobs and skills

Several initiatives are reinforcing employment growth:

• Skill India Mission – providing training through national centres.
• Rozgar Melas – 11 lakh placements in 16 months.
• PM Vishwakarma – supporting 30 lakh artisans with certification.
• ITI Upgradation Scheme – modernising 1,000 ITIs and training 20 lakh youth.
• Employment Linked Incentive Scheme – targeting 3.5 crore jobs with ₹1 lakh crore.
• MGNREGA – ensuring rural jobs with ₹86,000 crore in FY 2025–26.
• PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana – launched in August 2025 to create 4.5 crore jobs by 2031–32.

Looking ahead: skills and sustainability

Experts believe future job growth will depend on digital skills, inclusive participation, and sustainability. Fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and renewable energy will generate millions of opportunities. The government is aligning training with industry needs to ensure competitiveness.

A new era of opportunity

India’s employment story is now one of optimism. With 17 crore new jobs, rising wages, and record-low unemployment, the country is building a stronger, more confident workforce. Women are contributing more than ever, and youth are driving growth in digital industries.

As India moves toward its 2047 vision of becoming a developed nation, employment growth remains one of its strongest pillars — a story of reform, inclusion, and opportunity reaching every corner of the country.