The labour force participation rate (LFPR) among women from minority communities in India has witnessed a steady increase over the past three years, reflecting the impact of targeted government initiatives and socio-economic transformations. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the LFPR for females among major religious groups during 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 has shown a significant upward trend.
Labour Force Participation Trends
The survey estimates indicate a noticeable rise in the participation of women in the workforce across all major religious communities:
| Religious Group | PLFS 2021-22 | PLFS 2022-23 | PLFS 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | 26.1 | 30.5 | 33.3 |
| Islam | 15.0 | 14.2 | 21.4 |
| Christianity | 34.2 | 35.1 | 38.3 |
| Sikhism | 19.8 | 23.5 | 26.7 |
| All | 24.8 | 27.8 | 31.7 |
These figures highlight a substantial increase in the LFPR of women, particularly among minority communities. The participation of Muslim women in the workforce has surged from 14.2% in 2022-23 to 21.4% in 2023-24, signaling a positive shift in economic inclusion and empowerment.
Government Interventions and Their Impact
A key driver behind this improvement is the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), a flagship initiative of the government aimed at uplifting the six notified minority communities through skill development, educational support, and targeted economic empowerment programs. The scheme integrates five previously independent schemes:
- Seekho aur Kamao: Launched in 2014-15, this scheme focuses on enhancing the employability of minority youth (14-45 years) by equipping them with modern and traditional skills. Notably, 57.64% of the total beneficiaries trained under this scheme were women, amounting to over 2.69 lakh individuals.
- Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts Crafts for Development (USTTAD): Introduced in 2015, this scheme aimed at preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts while enhancing the capacities of master craftsmen and artisans. A remarkable 89.10% of the total beneficiaries under this initiative were women (19,255 individuals).
- Nai Manzil: Operational between 2014-15 and 2020-21, this scheme provided formal education and skill development to minority youth who lacked formal schooling credentials. Over 54,233 women benefitted from this initiative, constituting 54.94% of total beneficiaries.
- Nai Roshni and Hamari Dharohar: These schemes focused on women’s leadership development and cultural preservation among minority communities.
Policy Recommendations for Sustained Growth
Despite the progress achieved, there is room for further policy refinements to ensure continued improvement in the labour force participation of women from minority communities:
- Expansion of Skill Development Initiatives: Strengthening skill-training programs with greater emphasis on emerging sectors such as digital technology, e-commerce, and financial services can enhance employment opportunities for minority women.
- Financial Inclusion Measures: Linking skill development with financial literacy programs, microfinance access, and entrepreneurship support can empower women economically and promote self-employment.
- Social Security and Workplace Safety: The introduction of targeted social security schemes such as maternity benefits, workplace safety norms, and insurance for self-employed women can enhance workforce retention and participation.
- Encouraging Formalization: Incentivizing businesses to integrate informal sector workers into the formal economy by offering tax benefits, wage subsidies, and flexible work arrangements can help bridge employment gaps.
- Real-Time Data Utilization: Leveraging data analytics to assess employment trends, migration patterns, and skill demands can help policymakers design more effective interventions tailored to specific minority communities.
- Community-Based Engagement: Encouraging local self-help groups (SHGs), NGOs, and religious institutions to promote vocational training and job placements can lead to greater community acceptance and participation.
The increasing labour force participation of women from minority communities is a testament to the efficacy of targeted government policies and socio-economic transformations. However, sustained efforts are required to further bridge gender disparities and economic exclusion. Strengthening skill development, financial inclusion, and social security frameworks will ensure that minority women not only enter the workforce but thrive in it, contributing to India’s vision of an inclusive and developed economy.
