According to PLFS 2023-24, which of the following statements best describes the nature of employment among women in Bihar?
- AMost women are employed in formal, regular wage jobs
- BThe majority of women are self-employed, often serving as helpers in household enterprises
- CMajority of women were engaged in the secondary sector
- DMore than one of the above
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (b) The majority of women are self-employed, often serving as helpers in household enterprises
Explanation
According to the Bihar Economic Survey, 2024–25, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) classifies employment into three major categories—self-employed, regular wage/ salaried, and casual labour. Analyses based on PLFS 2023–24 indicate that the largest share of working women in Bihar falls under the self-employed category. On the basis of PLFS 2023–24, under the Current Weekly Status (CWS), 83.7 percent of total female workers in Bihar are self-employed, 10.8 percent are casual labour, and only 5.5 percent are regular wage/salaried. Out of these 83.7 percent self-employed female workers, 39.8 percent are engaged as helpers in household enterprises. Note—The category of self-employed workers also includes those workers who had work in household enterprises but could not work due to illness or some other reason.