With reference to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) design change, consider the following statements: 1. The new design includes a Second Stage Stratum specifically for digital platform workers. 2. The updated survey design is scheduled to commence in January 2026. 3. The survey will include questions on unpaid household, caregiving, volunteer, and trainee work. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

PLFS to change design in January 2027 to track digital platform workers

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Employment & inclusive growth· Prelims + Mains· 23 October 2026

Gig economy and unpaid work: a GS3 case study on inclusive labor statistics and economic policy.

Why in news

The Union government and NSSO announced a design change for the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) starting January 2027 to formally track digital platform workers and unpaid work.

Background

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced the update on October 23, 2026. The new design introduces a Second Stage Stratum specifically for digital platform workers and includes questions on unpaid household, caregiving, volunteer, and trainee work.

Facts for Prelims

BodyNSSO: National Sample Survey Office operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
FactPLFS design change scheduled to commence in January 2027
FactNew survey categories include unpaid household, caregiving, volunteer, and trainee work

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) design change, consider the following statements:

The new design includes a Second Stage Stratum specifically for digital platform workers.
The updated survey design is scheduled to commence in January 2026.
The survey will include questions on unpaid household, caregiving, volunteer, and trainee work.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states the change is scheduled to commence in January 2027.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of including digital platform workers and unpaid care work in national labor statistics for formulating inclusive economic policies.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Data invisibility: Formalizing 'gig' work to address social security gaps
Gendered labor: Recognizing unpaid caregiving to measure non-market economic contributions
Policy calibration: Accurate labor force data for designing targeted skill development and welfare schemes

Keywords: Gig economy · Unpaid work · Labor force statistics · Digital platform workers · Inclusive growth

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS2 · e-Governance & citizen services Also: GS2 · Human resources & skilling

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