Emerging Trends and Patterns of Agricultural Labour in India- Evidences from Census and Rural Labour Enquiry
Published by: Admin
Authors: Vijaya Rajni
Abstract
This paper examines the size, growth, and regional patterns of agricultural labourers in India from the 1950s to the present. It uses decennial Census data (1961–2011) and Agricultural Labour Enquiry (ALE) / Rural Labour Enquiry (RLE) reports for 1956–57, 1963–65, 1974–75, along with National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds from 1977–78, 1983, 1987-88, 1993-94, 1999-2000, 2004-05 and 2009–10. The analysis offers a comprehensive view of long-term trends. Agricultural labourers constitute 24 per cent of main workers and 47 per cent of agricultural workers, and their share has remained persistent despite the expansion of non-farm employment post-1990s. The causes are attributed to structural factors such as failure of land reforms, slow economic growth, and limited alternative employment opportunities. Regional disparities in distribution and growth patterns further underscore the uneven nature of rural transformation. The study contributes to understanding structural change in India’s rural economy and provides insights for policy frameworks aimed at promoting equitable and inclusive rural development.