Page 348 - economic review

EMPLOYMENT320

Employment Situation in Kerala

Labour Force

9.7 The results of latest Employment and Unemployment Survey conducted by the NSSO in 2011-
12 indicate that the number of persons in the labour force (as per UPSS approach) in Kerala as on
1st January 2012 was about 11.8 million; out of which 9.3 million was males and 2.5 million females.
9.8 The labour force participation rate (LFPR) is a major indicator that denotes the actual proportion
of persons willing to participate in the economic activities. LFPRs based on different approaches for
the different categories of persons as obtained from NSS 68th round is presented in Figure 9.1. It
reveals that the percentage of men in the labour force is much higher than female in both rural and
urban areas under all approaches.

Fig 9.1
LFPR in different approaches during 2011-12 (All ages)

Source: Employment and Unemployment Situation in India, NSS Report No. 554
(NSS 68th Round, July 2011- June 2012)

9.9 Between 61st (2004-05) and 66th (2009-10) rounds, LFPR in UPSS approach was found to be
lower for all category of persons and regions. It decreased by about 1 percentage point for rural males,
about 2 percentage points for urban males, about 6 percentage point for rural females and about 7
percentage points for urban females. Between 66th (2009-10) and 68th (2011-12) rounds, LFPR in
UPSS approach for rural areas both for males and females remained at the same level, whereas it
increased by about 1 percentage point for urban males and decreased by about 1 percentage point
for urban females. The data gives clear indication that the labour force participation rate of females
in Kerala is decreasing (See Figure 9.2).

Kerala State Planning Board