The rural labour economy remains the cornerstone of India’s socio-economic foundation, sustaining a large segment of its population and driving national growth. With nearly 65% of Indians residing in villages, rural labour—primarily engaged in agriculture, construction, and informal industries—continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring food security, livelihood generation, and economic stability. However, this sector faces deep-rooted challenges such as disguised and seasonal unemployment, wage disparities, gender inequality, and the absence of adequate social security. Rural labourers are often compelled to migrate to urban centres in search of work, where they confront exploitation, low wages, and insecure living conditions. At the same time, the rural labour economy is undergoing significant transformation due to globalization, technological change, and government interventions. Schemes like MGNREGA, Skill India Mission, and DDU-GKY have provided support, but gaps remain in implementation and inclusivity. The mechanization of agriculture, while improving productivity, has also displaced traditional labour. Furthermore, women, despite forming a major part of the workforce, continue to face unequal opportunities and low recognition of their contributions. This study emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen rural labour markets by diversifying employment opportunities, investing in skill development, promoting rural industries, and ensuring gender-sensitive labour reforms. Expanding social protection measures and fostering digital inclusion can further enhance the resilience of rural workers. Ultimately, the empowerment of India’s rural labour force is not just an economic necessity but also a pathway to inclusive and sustainable national development.
Surendra S. Yadav (Sat,) studied this question.
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