Unemployed Persons in the Country

Union Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge today informed the Rajya Sabha that Reliable estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained through quinquennial labour force survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office. Last such survey was conducted during 2009-10. As per results of the latest survey, the estimated number of unemployed persons on usual status basis was 9.50 million in the country during 2009-10.

Replying to a written question the Minister said Government of India is not in favour of providing unemployment allowance to unemployed persons as a social security measure. However, there is a provision of unemployment allowance under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, if work is not provided within 15 days of registration under the Scheme.

Percentage of workers engaged in manufacturing sector on usual status basis has declined from 11.7% in 2004-05 to 11% in 2009-10. The main reason attributed to this decline may be adoption of capital intensive techniques of production.