MoSPI stated that the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) was strengthened starting January 2025 to produce monthly estimates for the all-India level and quarterly estimates for both rural and urban areas, in addition to annual estimates. MoSPI also advised users to exercise caution while making direct comparisons between PLFS estimates and estimates from the earlier Employment-Unemployment Surveys (EUS).

Background and earlier position (EUS to PLFS)

MoSPI stated that the Employment-Unemployment Surveys (EUS) were the principal source of labour market statistics up to 2011–12. MoSPI introduced PLFS in 2017 after deliberations by expert committees that developed the survey methodology and sample design, based on recommendations of the National Statistical Commission (NSC).

What changed now (PLFS methodological improvements and strengthening)

MoSPI stated that PLFS introduced methodological improvements over earlier EUS, including a rotational panel sampling design for urban areas, Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) with in-built validation checks, collection of information on hours worked, and changes in the sampling design and the schedule of enquiry to generate periodic labour force estimates. MoSPI further stated that PLFS concepts and definitions relating to employment, unemployment, and labour force participation remain consistent with those used in the earlier EUS. MoSPI stated that these definitions are based on recommendations of the Committee of Experts on Unemployment Estimates (Dantwala Committee) and relevant international standards adopted by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS).

Why it matters for UPSC (interpretation of labour indicators)

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