The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 11th monthly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for February 2026. The data highlights a stable national employment scenario with a significant recovery in the urban job market. Key indicators like the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) remained steady at 55.9%, while the female unemployment rate saw a notable decline. The survey reflects positive trends in female workforce participation and a reduction in urban unemployment, signaling improved economic activity across sectors.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the February 2026 PLFS Monthly Bulletin. It provides real-time labour market data using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) method.
Male unemployment remained stable at 4.8%, but female employment improved significantly. This indicates better inclusion of women in both rural and urban economies.
1.Which body releases PLFS reports?
A) RBI
B) NSO
C) NITI Aayog
D) Labour Ministry
Answer: B
2.What was the overall unemployment rate in Feb 2026?
A) 6.6%
B) 5.5%
C) 4.9%
D) 4.2%
Answer: C
3.PLFS monthly data uses which method?
A) Usual Status
B) Current Weekly Status
C) Daily Status
D) Annual Status
Answer: B
4.Female LFPR in Feb 2026 was:
A) 30.2%
B) 35.3%
C) 40.0%
D) 25.1%
Answer: B
5.PLFS started in which year?
A) 2015
B) 2016
C) 2017
D) 2018
Answer: C
1. Define LFPR and WPR.
Answer: LFPR includes working and job-seeking people; WPR includes only employed persons.
2. Which survey provides labour market data in India?
Answer: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Students often confuse unemployment rate with total unemployed population percentage. It is calculated only for labour force.
Focus on definitions (LFPR, WPR, UR) and trends in female participation.