India's informal sector hits 15.2cr jobs but hired-worker share slips to 24.8%
Jan-Mar govt data shows unincorporated establishments grew 16.7% to 9.16cr, yet hired employment share dropped — trade sector worst hit, falling to 18.6% from 22%. Rural informal wage jobs contracting even as 81% of units now accept UPI and women's share holds at 29%.
Government data shows India's unincorporated sector employment crossed 15.2 crore in Jan-Mar, but hired worker share fell to 24.8%, with trade sector hardest hit. Rural informal wage employment contracting; 81% of establishments now use UPI/digital payments.
Why this matters
India's informal sector is expanding in unit count and digital adoption, but the falling hired-worker share — especially in trade — points to rising own-account work and contracting rural informal wage jobs.
Footfall theme steady with 50 signals in last 90 days, consistent with broader informal sector activity.
Also reported by
- Forbes India — 14h after first sighting