Changes in PLFS schedule and estimation procedure from January 2027

Key Highlights:

• The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), proposes changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from January 2027.
• A new separate stratum will be introduced for digital platform workers to improve their coverage in the survey.
• The sampling frame will be updated using the Urban Frame Survey and Census 2011 rural frame for better population representation.
• New questions will be added to the PLFS schedule to identify digital platform workers and measure unpaid activities.
• These modifications aim to enhance the reliability and relevance of labour market estimates.

Detailed Insights:

• The PLFS, conducted by NSO since 2017, provides timely and disaggregated labour market statistics.
• The proposed changes follow a revamp in sampling design from January 2025, which enabled monthly, quarterly, and annual estimates.
• The new Second Stage Stratum (SSS) for digital platform workers addresses the previous inadequate capture of this emerging segment.
• Updated sampling frame will reflect current urbanisation, administrative boundary changes, and the emergence of new urban areas.
• Modified criteria for sample allocation and stratification are expected to improve efficiency and population representation.
• A three-month transition period from January 2027 will ensure smooth integration of the updated sampling frame.
• Inclusion of unpaid activities will provide a more comprehensive assessment of work beyond conventional employment.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): A household survey conducted by NSO to estimate key labour force indicators.
• National Statistics Office (NSO): The central statistical agency under MoSPI, responsible for large-scale sample surveys.
• Digital Platform Workers: Individuals engaged in work facilitated by online platforms, often part of the gig economy.
• Sampling Frame: A list of all units in a population from which a sample is drawn for a survey.
• Stratum: A sub-group within a population, used in stratified sampling to ensure representation.