India’s Labour Force Participation Rate Remains Steady in January 2026, Urban Employment Holds Firm

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India’s Labour Force Participation Rate Remains Steady in January 2026, Urban Employment Holds Firm​

India’s labour market displayed broad stability in January 2026, with key indicators such as the Labour Force Participation Rate and Worker Population Ratio showing limited movement, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Monday.

The latest figures indicate that urban workforce participation across genders remained largely unchanged, while rural areas experienced marginal seasonal pressures linked to winter slowdown and post harvest slack.

Overall Labour Force Participation Rate at 55.9%​

The Labour Force Participation Rate for individuals aged 15 years and above stood at 55.9 percent in January 2026.

A rural urban split highlights regional variation:

• Rural LFPR: 58.7 percent
• Urban LFPR: 50.3 percent, compared to 50.2 percent in December 2025

The data suggests that urban labour participation maintained a stable trajectory month on month, with only a minor uptick.

Urban Male and Female Participation Remains Unchanged​

In urban areas, workforce participation across genders remained broadly stable in January 2026 compared to December 2025:

• Male LFPR: 70.5 percent
• Female LFPR: 23.0 percent

This stability reflects continued resilience in urban employment conditions despite broader seasonal shifts affecting rural segments.

Female Labour Force Participation at 35.1%​

The overall female Labour Force Participation Rate was reported at 35.1 percent in January.

Regional data shows:

• Rural female LFPR: 39.7 percent
• Urban female LFPR: 25.5 percent

The gap between rural and urban female participation remains evident, with rural areas recording higher engagement levels.

Worker Population Ratio Shows Broad Stability​

The overall Worker Population Ratio for individuals aged 15 years and above exhibited broad stability in January 2026.

Urban WPR data stood as follows:

• Male: 70.5 percent
• Female: 23.0 percent
• Overall urban individual level: 46.8 percent

The numbers indicate that urban employment conditions remained steady across genders during the month.

Rural Factors Drive Marginal Changes​

The marginal decline observed in the LFPR and WPR, along with a rise in the unemployment rate in January 2026, has been attributed primarily to rural factors.

According to the official statement, seasonal influences played a significant role. Activities such as construction, agriculture, allied work, transport and small trade experienced slowdown during the winter months. The post harvest slack and discouragement effects also contributed to the rural shift.

In contrast, urban areas maintained stability during the period.

Workforce Stability From April 2025 to January 2026​

The overall workforce pattern from April 2025 to January 2026 remained stable, indicating limited volatility in labour market participation over the current fiscal period.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey continues to serve as the primary source of data on employment, unemployment conditions and activity participation across the country.