Economic Survey 2026: India Targets 55% Female Workforce
The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on January 29, 2026, has identified flexible work models as a primary macroeconomic lever to boost India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR).
The report emphasizes that increasing female participation to 55% by 2050 is essential for India to sustain its high GDP growth trajectory and achieve its “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.
The “Dual Burden” and the Need for Flexi-Work
The Survey highlights a significant “dual burden” on Indian women, citing data from the Time Use Survey (TUS).
On average, women spend 363 minutes daily on unpaid activities—including caregiving and domestic chores—compared to just 123 minutes for men.
This disproportionate responsibility acts as a structural barrier to formal employment.
To bridge this gap, the Survey advocates for a shift toward flexible and hybrid work arrangements.
It suggests that such models allow women to balance professional roles with domestic commitments without sacrificing career progression.
Economic Survey 2026: Key Recommendations for Structural Reform
Beyond flexibility, the report outlines a multipronged policy approach to support women in the workforce:
- Urban Mobility & Safety: The Survey notes that 31% of women cite commuting as a barrier to work. It calls for “gender-responsive” transport, safe infrastructure, and affordable intermediate mobility to tackle the “Pink Tax”—the higher cost women pay for safer transport.
- Care Infrastructure: Proposals include expanding the Anganwadi network, integrating community crèches, and incentivizing employer-linked childcare facilities.
- STEM and Skilling: To move women away from low-productivity jobs, the report urges a policy “nudge” toward STEM education and “returnship” programs for those re-entering the workforce after career breaks.
Rising Participation Trends
Despite the challenges, the Survey reports a positive trend. The FLFPR has surged from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
Unemployment among women has also dropped to 3.2%.
The report cautions that many highly educated women remain in part-time or low-productivity roles due to rigid corporate structures.
Adopting the new Labour Codes, which permit work-from-home and night shifts, is critical for further progress.
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