Key findings of the report:
- Regressive social norms alongwith lack of investment in social security and infrastructure continue to hamper women’s participation in the workforce.
- On an average, women are paid 34% less than similarly qualified male workers for performing the same tasks.
- The largest number of jobs were generated in the unorganised sector.
- Job generation was adversely impacted after demonetisation, and hit the women workforce most. Post-demonetisation also saw a drop-in household with two or more persons employed.
- Even within the public education system, there are inequalities in educational investment. Government sponsored Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) spend Rs 27,000 per student whereas non KV government schools spend a mere Rs 3000 per student.
- In rural India, traditional occupations continue to be determined by castes. Women belonging to the Mahadalit community, for example, assist with child-birth, while richer Baniyas own shops.
Recommendations:
- Focus towards labour intensive sectors to create more jobs.
- Create better work conditions to make jobs more inclusive.
- Increase investments in health and education to improve productivity.
