In the past six years, India has created about 17 crore (170 million) new jobs. From 2017-18 to 2023-24, the count of employed people went up from ~ 47.5 crore to ~ 64.33 crore — a net increase of ~ 16.83 crore.
That’s huge. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What’s different this time is who is working, how they’re working, and how many women are joining in.
Women Are Claiming Space in the Workforce
One of the most striking changes: women’s workforce participation has surged.
The female labour force participation rate (LFPR) jumped from ~ 23.3% in 2017-18 to ~ 41.7% in 2023-24.
The women’s Worker Population Ratio (WPR) (i.e. proportion of women who are working) rose from ~ 22% to ~ 40.3%.
Around 1.56 crore women entered formal jobs during this period.
That means many women who may have been doing unpaid or informal work are now part of formal paid jobs — with salaries, social security, and recognition.
What’s Different This Time?
Let’s look at what’s changed — the forces behind this transformation.
1. Formalisation & Better Job Quality
It’s not only that more people are working; more are working in formal jobs. For example:
In 2024-25, 26.9 lakh new female subscribers joined the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund) — a sign many are entering formal employment.
The share of self-employment rose (from ~ 52.2% to ~ 58.4%) while the share of casual labour fell (from ~ 24.9% to ~ 19.8%). This indicates a shift toward more independent, stable earnings.
Better job quality matters — formal jobs bring stability, benefits, protections.
2. Falling Unemployment
Unemployment has dropped sharply.
In 2017-18 it was ~ 6.0%, and by 2023-24 it dropped to ~ 3.2%.
Among youth (age ~ 15–29), unemployment fell from ~ 17.8% to ~ 10.2%.
This means new jobs are absorbing the labor force, not just existing workers shifting around.
3. New Sectors & Modes of Work
India’s economy is changing. Some features:
Technology, digital services, gig economy — roles in tech, online platforms, remote work — are expanding.
Entrepreneurship & self-employed work — more people are creating small businesses or taking freelance gigs.
Better infrastructure, connectivity — the digital and transport networks help connect workers from smaller towns.
These sectors often allow flexibility, which can especially benefit women.
4. Social Attitudes & Enablers
Some social changes are enabling this shift:
More people accept that women should and can work. The stigma is gradually reducing.
Higher levels of education among women give them more options.
Improved safety, commuting, and local work options lower the barriers.
Policies and schemes that support women returning to work or working flexibly help retention.
How This Change Impacts Lives
The changes aren’t abstract — they affect homes, families, communities.
More income for families: When women also earn, household budgets grow, children’s education, health, nutrition improve.
Economic dignity: Formal work gives recognition, security, confidence.
Breaking stereotypes: As more women work, the “men’s world” notion of many jobs crumbles.
Inclusive growth: It’s not just men growing — growth becomes shared, inclusive.
Where Challenges Still Remain
Even with progress, obstacles persist.
Wage gap: Women often get paid less or receive less favorable terms.
Care burden: Women still shoulder much of the household and caregiving work — limiting hours or ability to take demanding jobs.
Retention & career growth: Many women drop out later, or stall at middle levels.
Safety & harassment: For many, work outside home brings safety concerns.
Skill mismatch: Some women, especially in rural areas, lack access to up-to-date skills or training.
Cultural constraints: In some areas, conservative norms still resist women working, especially in certain roles or sectors.
How SuGanta.com is Helping in India’s Workforce Growth
In a time when India is creating millions of new jobs and more women are stepping into the workforce, suganta.com is playing a small but meaningful role in this transformation.
SuGanta.com is not an institute or university — it’s a smart online platform that connects students with verified, experienced tutors across every city and neighbourhood.
Through SuGanta.com, students can easily find trusted teachers near their homes and learn new subjects or skills that make them job-ready. At the same time, tutors — especially women — get an opportunity to teach from home or nearby, earning a stable income while managing family responsibilities.
In this way, SuGanta.com supports both learning and earning, helping India build a more skilled, confident, and independent generation.
Because when education becomes accessible and flexible, everyone — especially women — can grow, work, and contribute to the nation’s success.
👉 Visit https://www.suganta.com/careers — Find, Connect, and Learn Today!
Why This Surge Is a Turning Point
This time, India’s workforce growth is not just about adding jobs. It’s different because:
Scale + inclusion — massive job addition, and women are not left behind.
Better quality of work — more formal, more stable roles.
Participation from all parts — urban, rural, small towns are contributing.
Changing social fabric — norms, attitudes, opportunity structures are evolving.
It’s not perfect, but it feels like a shift — the beginning of a more inclusive economic era.
