Is India facing jobless growth?

Background:

• India’s GDP grew rapidly in the 2000s and post-2014.

• Yet, Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker-Population Ratio (WPR) remained low, especially for youth and women.

• Term “jobless growth” means GDP rises but employment does not grow proportionally.

Balanced Answer:Yes, evidence suggests jobless or low-employment growth in certain phases. Services and capital-intensive sectors contributed most to GDP but created fewer jobs. Manufacturing and agriculture showed weak employment absorption.

Cross Q: 👉 So, is growth meaningless without jobs?

Response: Growth is still necessary—it generates revenues and investment. But quality jobs must be prioritized through labour-intensive manufacturing, MSMEs, and skill development.