Data User’s Conference on Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – MoSPI, 2025
What’s in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) hosted the Data User’s Conference on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) on August 28, 2025, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. This conference carried forward the dialogue between data producers and users initiated in 2024 and focused on the revamped sampling methodology and introduction of high-frequency labour market indicators.
Key Highlights
Expanded Sample Size & Coverage
PLFS has been redesigned to include 22,692 First Stage Units (FSUs)—12,504 rural and 10,188 urban—surveying 12 households per FSU, totaling around 2.72 lakh households, representing a 2.65× increase in sample size.
High-Frequency Labour Market Indicators
Enables monthly estimates at national level for rural and urban domains under Current Weekly Status (CWS)—covering Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR).
For the first time, PLFS now provides quarterly estimates for rural areas as well. Annual indicators continue under both CWS and Usual Status (ps + ss).
Engaging Stakeholders & Experts
Chaired by Dr. Saurabh Garg (Secretary, MoSPI) with participation from senior officials, researchers, academicians, industry and international organization representatives.
A panel titled “Fast Data, Big Impact” featured experts from CDS Kerala, Standard Chartered, ILO, FICCI, and DU, discussing the enhanced utility of frequent labour data in policymaking.
Policy Relevance & Technical Insights
Sessions explored improvements in sampling methodology, data collection frequency, and policy applications of labour indicators.
The conference fostered recommendations for improving PLFS content, bolstering its relevance in planning and addressing data gaps.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II (Governance & Economic Development): Significance of evidence-based policymaking, data transparency, stakeholder engagement in national surveys.
GS Paper III (Economy & Labour): Understanding labour market metrics, employment statistics, and their role in economic policy planning.
Ethics/Essay: Role of high-quality data in governance, accountability in policymaking, and responsiveness to economic realities.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| PLFS Sample Expansion | Survey expanded to ~2.72 lakh households across 22,692 FSUs |
| Frequency of Labour Indicators | Released monthly and quarterly for rural/urban India under CWS |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Conference included policymakers, statisticians, economists, practitioners |
| Policy Insights | Emphasised enhanced policy relevance, methodological clarity, and rapid data for governance |
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