Archive · 21 Jul 2026
India's labor productivity challenges and economic shifts
In India, the number of self-employed people has grown, making up more than half of the workforce.
This shift has led to lower productivity and economic contributions from these workers.
While employee wages have increased, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, the overall labor productivity remains low compared to global standards.
The government's focus on creating job providers rather than supporting job seekers has resulted in more people working in subsistence sectors.
To improve the situation, there is a need for better support for small businesses, including access to credit, skill development, and marketing assistance.
Self-employment in India increased from 52.2% to 56.2% between 2017-18 and 2024-25.
Net value added (NVA) in the economy grew at an average annual rate of 8.7%, with a 4.2% growth per worker.
Employee compensation and operating surplus of self-employed entrepreneurs rose by 2% and 7.2% respectively.
The share of labor compensation in NVA increased from 38% to 43% during this period.
India's labor productivity is among the lowest globally, with output per hour worked at $10.8 in 2025.
- Who
- Indian workforce, including self-employed individuals and salaried employees
- What
- Shifts in labor productivity, employment patterns, and economic policies
- When
- Between 2017-18 and 2024-25
- Where
- India
- Why
- Structural changes in the economy, including demonetisation, GST, pandemic, and post-pandemic recovery
Policy Focus on Job Providers
Support for Job Seekers
Employment Strategy
Policy Focus on Job Providers
Policy thrust is to create job providers rather than help job seekers, leading to a shift towards subsistence sectors.
Support for Job Seekers
There is a need for meaningful support mechanisms for small and own account enterprises, which make up 87% of the workforce.
- Period Analyzed
- 2017-18 to 2024-25
- Average Annual NVA Growth
- 8.7%
- Growth per Worker
- 4.2%
- Employee Compensation Growth
- 2%
- Operating Surplus Growth
- 7.2%
- Self-employment Increase
- From 52.2% to 56.2%
- Labour Compensation Share in NVA
- From 38% to 43%
- Labour Productivity in India (2025)
- $10.8 per hour worked