What are the important concepts of employment / unemployment used by National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)?

Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status

UPS identifies main activity; UPSS includes secondary activities, providing comprehensive employment measurement. This distinction is vital for understanding informal and multiple job holdings common in rural and urban areas.

Data Gaps and Gender Disparities

Transition from quinquennial EUS to annual PLFS complicates trend analysis due to methodological changes. Female labour participation remains low but improving per PLFS, especially in Andhra Pradesh, where cultural factors and informal work predominate.

Sectoral and Regional Variations

NSSO data show shifts from agriculture to non-agriculture with skill mismatches affecting employment quality in Andhra Pradesh’s diverse regions. The agrarian economy faces mechanisation challenges, while industrial zones require skilled labour, highlighting uneven growth.

Harmonise Surveys and Enhance Female Data

Align EUS and PLFS for comparability; improve capturing women’s work amid informal sector challenges in Andhra Pradesh. Incorporating gender-sensitive survey tools can better reflect women’s economic contributions.

Leverage Digital Platforms

Use National Career Service2 (NCS) and e-Shram to supplement NSSO data with real-time labour market info, enhancing policy responsiveness. These platforms facilitate skill mapping and job matching, crucial for dynamic labour markets.