Theme T128 · Indian Economy

Employment: jobless growth, informality, unemployment measurement, labour productivity

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks whether unemployment is structural and how it is measured, jobless growth, globalisation reducing formal jobs, and labour productivity-led growth vs job creation.

Prepare these

• Types of unemployment; PLFS methodology (usual status, CWS)
• Jobless growth debate and data
• Informalisation and its effects
• Labour productivity vs employment elasticity
• Labour-intensive sectors

Answer writing

• Use data; propose a job-rich growth pattern

Directive words in these PYQs: Suggest (2), Examine (1), Explain (1), Describe (1), Do you agree (1).

Linked themes

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Syllabus lines covered

• GS3-L1 — Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

All 4 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202315 marks · 250 wordsGS3-ECO-01-M2023-Q11

   Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

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2. GS3202215 marks · 250 wordsGS3-ECO-01-M2022-Q11

   “Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity”.Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.

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3. GS32016GS3-ECO-01-M2016-S01

   How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

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4. GS32015GS3-ECO-01-M2015-S01

   The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.

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