Unemployment: According to the PLFS report, the youth unemployment rate reached 15.2 percent in March. Employment opportunities are declining in urban areas. Let's find out what the report says.

Unemployment increased in March

PLFS Report: Amidst ongoing global uncertainty, another piece of bad news is knocking at the door for India. The Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) has revealed a finding that has further increased concerns.

According to the survey, the unemployment rate among people aged 15 to 29 rose to 15.2 percent in March, up from 14.8 percent in February. According to the data, this is the highest level in the last nine months. Previously, the youth unemployment rate was recorded at 15.3 percent in June 2025.

What does the report say?

Statistics show that the overall unemployment rate for people aged 15 and over rose to 5.1 percent in March, up from 4.9 percent in February. According to the ministry, this increase is primarily due to the decline in employment opportunities in urban areas.

Unemployment increased in cities.

Among young people, the unemployment rate for men aged 15-29 rose to 14.3 percent in March, up from 13.7 percent in February. For women, it rose to 17.7 percent, up from 17.6 percent previously.

Youth unemployment in rural areas stood at 13.6 percent, while in urban areas it rose to 18.4 percent. These figures clearly show that the unemployment rate has increased in cities compared to rural areas.  

Labor force participation declined.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) also declined in March, falling to 55.4 percent from 55.9 percent in February. Rural areas also saw a decline. The LFPR, which was previously at 58.7 percent, has now reached 58.  

The participation rate for women also declined to 34.4 percent from 35.3 percent in the previous year. The participation rate for men fell slightly to 77.4 percent from 77.5 percent in February.