The Quality of Labour Force in India: An Assessment of Educational Attainment by Workers and Its Impact on Work Status.

Several studies have documented unprecedented growth in the work force in India mainly attributable to demographic transition. However, with the growth in the working age population, concerns regarding their quality also arise. The types of works engaging the labours and their quality characteristics are often left behind; but the internal profile of the workers matters as a critical dimension of inclusive development. Most of the aspects of decent employment are evidentially related to education which is a thread that gives form to the fabric of society. In India, a growing body of economic evidence suggests social progress as a key component for achieving sustainable economic development. Using data from 66th round (Schedule 10.0) of national Sample Survey, this paper investigates current state of education level among Indian labours, difference between the contribution of general and technical education in work and earnings. Six main categories of work status are identified in the whole population and the education attainment variable combines both general and technical education. Analysis reveals that Indian labour force is mainly absorbed in self employment and casual labours. Salaried employment is prominent only among urban males. The role of general and technical education is clearly different, especially among females.