Tackling urban poverty

India's informal sector is a potent force for change and policymakers need to unlock its potential

In the intricate web of urban dynamics, one undeniable truth prevails: The urban informal sector is intrinsically linked to the persistence of urban poverty. Therefore, we must delve deep into understanding this often overlooked facet of our cities if we’re genuinely committed to battling urban poverty.

According to the annual report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (July 2022-June 2023), the labour force participation rate (LFPR) was estimated at 42.4 per cent. For those aged 15 years and above, it was calculated at 60.8 per cent in rural and 50.4 per cent in urban areas. Digging deeper into the workforce,