The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) is conducting National Labour Force Survey from early next year in a bid to ascertain economically active population and give the latest picture on employment, underemployment and unemployment situation in the country, among others.

This is the third time the government is conducting such a survey. The labour force surveys were previously conducted in 1998 and 2008. The survey would be carried out based on resolutions adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians held at the International Labour Organisation’s headquarters in Switzerland from October 2 to 11 last year, according to CBS Deputy Director General Rudra Suwal.

“In this regard, we are currently finalising questionnaire for the survey and identifying areas from where samples could be obtained,” Suwal informed, adding, “We will begin the field work from March.” The final report is expected to be made public by early 2015. “It will take us almost a year to collect the data because we have to take seasonal variations into account as employment situation varies depending on seasons,” Suwal added.

One of the highlights of the survey, according to Suwal, is that it would provide an insight into the situation of decent work in the country. “With this data, we would be able to assess progress being made towards providing decent work to everyone and help policymakers frame policies accordingly,” said Suwal. Decent work, as per the ILO, involves ‘opportunities for work that are productive and deliver a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns, organise and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men’.

Besides, the report would also present data on informal employment, labour underutilisation, jobs in the informal sector and activities of women and children in the labour market. Also, the report would include data on non-economic activities performed by members of households, such as cooking, cleaning and other services for which wages are not extended. The report would also include information on qualifications of workers, types of trainings workers have received and working hours. Among others, situation on outmigration, migration within the country and foreign workers who have accepted jobs here would be highlighted by report.

Previous survey had shown decline in employment-to-population ratio from 84.3 per cent in 1998-99 to 81.7 per cent in 2008. At that time, 73.9 per cent of people were working in agricultural sector and the remaining 26.1 per cent in non-agriculture sector. That survey had also shown rise in the proportion of paid employees from 16 per cent in 1998-99 to 16.9 per cent in 2008, and drop in the proportion of economically active children aged five to 14 years to 33.9 per cent from 40.9 per cent in 1998-99.

Report highlights
• An insight into the situation of decent work in the country
• Data on informal employment, labour under utilisation, jobs in the informal sector and activities of women and children in labour market
• Data on non-economic activities performed by members of households
• Information on qualifications of workers, types of trainings workers have received and working hours
• Situation on outmigration, migration within the country and foreign workers who have accepted jobs here

Published on: 11 December 2014 | The Himalayan Times