In Two Years, Women Gain More Jobs Than Men: 30 Million Jobs Created, 4.14 Million Increase in Workforce
Post-COVID, India witnessed a significant surge in employment over the past two financial years. From 2023-24 to 2024-25, 30.6 million people gained employment, including 12.8 million women. There was a sharp rise in non-agricultural employment, while the shift away from the agricultural sector continued. Women's participation in the workforce has also improved significantly.
After a loss of 22.8 million jobs during the COVID-19 year (2020-21), the employment market bounced back with 30.6 million jobs created in 2023-24 and 2024-25. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), over 15 million jobs were added each year—significantly higher than the 12.5 million created in the recovery year 2021-22.
Out of the total 30.6 million jobs added over two years, women accounted for 12.8 million or 42%. In 2023-24 alone, women filled 7.8 million of the 15.2 million new jobs. In 2024-25, out of 15.4 million jobs, 5 million were taken up by women. The total working population increased by 41.4 million during this period.
Builders Reducing Carpet Area in Name of Amenities
According to an ANAROCK report, real estate developers are reducing the usable carpet area under the pretext of offering more amenities, resulting in less livable space for flat owners.
Decline in Agricultural Jobs, Surge in Non-Agricultural Employment
Low wages continue to drive people away from agriculture. In 2022-23, 11 million agricultural jobs were lost. Only 1 million new jobs were created in 2023-24, and a further 2.3 million people left agriculture in 2024-25. Conversely, non-agricultural employment increased by 12.8 million in 2022-23, 14.4 million in 2023-24, and 17.7 million in 2024-25. As a result, non-agricultural employment rose from 238 million in 2021-22 to 283 million in 2024-25.
Urban Areas Drive Employment Growth
Urban regions played a major role in employment expansion, largely due to better pay scales compared to rural areas. In 2023-24, urban areas accounted for 48% of total employment creation, rising to 65% in 2024-25. Urban India comprises 36% of the total working population.
Cable Operators Cut Nearly 195,000 Jobs
According to a joint report by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AICPDF) and EY India, pay-TV households dropped from 151 million in 2018 to 111 million in 2024. This led to an estimated job loss of 114,000 to 195,000 among local cable operators. Overall, the sector saw a 31% employment decline during this period.
Non-CUET Courses: Counseling Begins Today
Counseling for non-CUET courses begins today. However, the number of applicants is only half the number of available seats for courses such as B.Ed.