Female jobless rate hits three-month high: Periodic Labour Force Survey
New Delhi: The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above saw a slight uptick in September, with the female joblessness rate climbing to a three-month high, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released on Wednesday.
The data, cited by Times of India, revealed that the unemployment rate for the 15 and above age group edged up to 5.2% in September, compared to 5.1% in August, following two consecutive months of decline. For all age groups combined, the rate rose to 5.3%, the highest in three months, from 5.1% in August.
The jobless rate for those aged 15 and above in rural areas increased to 4.6% in September, from 4.3% in August, marking a three-month high. Meanwhile, in urban areas, the rate slightly rose to 6.8% from 6.7% in August.
Breaking down by gender, the joblessness rate for males in rural areas rose marginally to 4.7% in September from 4.5% in August, while for females, it increased to 4.3% from 4%. In urban areas, the unemployment rate for females surged to 9.3% in September, up from 8.9% in August, while for males, the rate moved up to 6% from 5.9%.
Notably, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in rural areas increased to 57.4% in September from 56.1% in June, while in urban areas, it remained unchanged at 50.9%. The LFPR for females in the 15 and above age group rose to 34.1% in September, the highest level recorded since May 2025.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India progressing under PM Modi, Karnataka heading towards decline: Union Minister Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said while India is moving steadily towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Karnataka is heading in the opposite direction under the Congress government.
Speaking at a programme to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, along with the Atal Award presentation and Good Governance Day celebrations, the JD(S) leader said Karnataka was once a model state for governance and development.
ALSO READ: Second World Ayurveda Summit begins in Bengaluru
“Karnataka was once synonymous with exemplary governance. It had adopted an outstanding development model and emerged as a leader for the entire nation. But under the Congress government’s administration, all these distinctions have been lost, and the State is now moving in the opposite direction,” Kumaraswamy said.
He alleged that the current dispensation has completely damaged the education sector, noting that Karnataka was once a frontrunner in education.
“Karnataka, which once ranked first in good governance, has reached such a state today. Frivolous politics is being played in a good State. Administration across all departments; including health, education, agriculture and revenue has deteriorated. People must now seriously introspect,” he said.
Asserting that the era of good governance must return, Kumaraswamy said people are fed up with the misgovernance of this government.
Bengaluru, once the IT-BT capital and a hub of education and technology, has seen its infrastructure completely deteriorate, he said.
"The state government lacks the mindset to accept even well-intentioned and expert advice. It has developed a culture of speaking irresponsibly even about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.”
Noting that the state has all the potential and capacity to move forward, the union minister said, “At a time when India is stepping forward to become the world’s third-largest economic power under Modi government, one wonders in which direction Karnataka is heading? It is moving backwards and sliding into decline.”
Remembering Vajpayee as “Ajatashatru”, a leader without enemies who rendered long and distinguished service to the nation, Kumaraswamy said leaders like Vajpayee are rare today.
“His contributions as External Affairs Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister were immense. He was a visionary leader who took the BJP from just two seats to 170 seats in Parliament,” he added.
Expressing concern over growing unrest, he said, “Karnataka must once again become a garden of peace for all communities. There is unrest in society. When one looks at what is happening within families, it causes anxiety. While technology is advancing and economic strength is increasing, there is fear even in turning on the television in the morning. There is no peace of mind for anyone. It is for this reason that I have advocated teaching the Bhagavad Gita at the school level. Unfortunately, politics is being unnecessarily mixed into this issue."
