Economic Growth with Productive Employment and Decent Work in India from 2015

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 emphasizes the achievement of sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth along with full and productive employment and decent work for all. This study examines whether economic growth in India since 2015 has translated into productive employment and decent work conditions. Using secondary data from government sources, UNDP, ILO, and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the study analyses trends in national income growth, unemployment rates, labour force participation, and employment structure across Indian states. The findings reveal that although India experienced economic growth during the period, its ability to generate productive and decent employment remained limited. Growth momentum weakened before the COVID-19 pandemic, while the lockdown caused a sharp rise in unemployment across all states. Labour Force Participation Rates remained persistently low, particularly among certain states, indicating structural weaknesses in the labour market. The employment structure continues to be dominated by self-employment, with declining shares of regular wage employment, raising concerns about job quality and informality. The study concludes that economic growth alone is insufficient to ensure productive employment and decent work unless supported by targeted employment policies, labour market reforms, and inclusive development strategies aligned with sustainable development goals.