New Delhi, April 28: India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced on Tuesday that the female labor participation rate has surged from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025. This significant increase reflects the growing empowerment of women in the country.
Speaking at the ‘Swigstreet: Celebrating Women on the Move’ event organized by food delivery startup Swiggy, the minister emphasized that equal participation of women in the workforce is essential from both social and economic perspectives. He noted that it plays a crucial role in building a developed India.
Mandaviya stated, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, new opportunities have opened for women, leading to a substantial improvement in employment figures. The female labor participation rate has increased from 23.3% to 40%.”
He also highlighted that the Female Worker Population Ratio (FWPR) has risen from 22% to nearly 39% during this period. Meanwhile, the female unemployment rate (FUR) has decreased from 5.6% to 3.1%, indicating that more women are securing jobs.
The minister further mentioned that social security coverage in India has nearly tripled over the past decade, increasing from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. This growth is attributed to labor law reforms, digital inclusion, and improved implementation of government schemes.
Mandaviya referenced the four labor codes implemented since last November, which have brought about significant changes. Notably, the Social Security Code has recognized gig and platform workers for the first time, many of whom are women, granting them legal recognition and access to social security benefits.
He added, “The principle of equal pay for equal work is also included in these codes, marking a significant step towards eliminating gender discrimination.”
The labor codes also encompass provisions for work-from-home, maternity leave, and on-site childcare facilities. These measures aim to eliminate barriers that previously hindered women’s ability to remain in the workforce.
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