India’s Ambitious Plan to Boost Female Workforce Participation to 35% by 2030

The Indian government aims to raise the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (F-LFPR) to 35% by 2030, up from 26.2% in 2025. To achieve this, the draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025 proposes safer workplaces, childcare, flexible work, and equal pay. Despite progress, socio-economic barriers, cultural norms, and limited job opportunities hinder women’s participation. Enhanced labour data collection and policy reforms seek to foster an inclusive and equitable workforce.

In a bid to address the persistent challenge of low female participation in the workforce, the Indian government has set a bold target to raise the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (F-LFPR) to 35% by 2030. As of September 2025, the F-LFPR stood at 26.2% across all age groups, based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) method of measurement.

Understanding F-LFPR and Current Trends

The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) refers to the proportion of individuals in the labour force—whether employed, seeking work, or available for employment—within a given population. Using the CWS method, this rate is determined by examining individuals' activity status over the seven days preceding the survey.

Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reveals a significant improvement in F-LFPR over the past few years. The rate rose to 27.1% in 2023-24, compared to a modest 15.8% in 2017-18. Despite this progress, India still lags behind many nations. According to the World Bank, India ranked 155th out of 176 countries in F-LFPR in 2024, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.

Shaping the Future: The Draft Labour & Employment Policy

To address this disparity, the government recently unveiled the draft National Labour & Employment Policy, dubbed Shram Shakti Niti 2025. The policy proposes several initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable labour market for women. Key measures include:

• Ensuring safer work environments.

  
  

• Providing affordable childcare options.

  
  

• Promoting flexible and remote work arrangements.

  
  

• Enforcing equal pay for equal work standards.

  
  

The proposed policy envisions a workforce where every individual, regardless of gender or sector, has access to dignity, security, and opportunity. It underscores India’s commitment to fostering people-centric and environmentally conscious economic growth. Stakeholders have been invited to provide feedback on the draft policy by October 27, ahead of its finalisation.

Persistent Challenges and Underlying Causes

India’s struggle with low F-LFPR is rooted in multiple socio-economic factors. As household incomes rise, women often withdraw from the workforce, a trend linked to societal norms prioritising male employment. Additionally, increased access to education for women, while a positive development, has not been matched by a proportional rise in job opportunities.

Cultural expectations further compound the issue, as women are frequently relegated to domestic responsibilities, limiting their participation in the labour market. These entrenched norms pose a significant challenge to achieving gender parity in employment.

A Data-Driven Approach to Monitoring Progress

Recognising the need for more granular and frequent labour market data, the PLFS underwent a major overhaul in January 2025. The survey now provides monthly estimates of key employment and unemployment indicators for both rural and urban areas across India using the CWS method. In addition, quarterly and annual reports continue to offer insights into labour trends, enabling policymakers to track progress and refine strategies.

Looking Ahead

The draft labour policy reflects a vision of a future where every worker is empowered and valued, aligning with India’s constitutional commitment to inclusive growth. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering a supportive environment for women in the workplace, the government hopes to bridge the gender gap in employment and unlock the full potential of the nation’s workforce.

While the path to achieving a 35% F-LFPR by 2030 is fraught with challenges, the proposed measures mark a decisive step forward. With sustained effort and collaboration among stakeholders, India can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous workforce.