NSO releases district-level labour market indicators for the first time; Surat tops LFPR among 100 most populous districts
On 18 September 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) released the 'Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts', its first release of district-level labour market indicators.
Summary
The NSO's Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts found that about 98.8% of districts have a labour force participation rate (LFPR, age 15+) between 40% and 80%. Among the 100 most populous districts, Surat in Gujarat recorded the highest LFPR (68.6%) and worker population ratio, while Darbhanga in Bihar recorded the lowest. Ernakulam in Kerala had the lowest NEET rate (not in employment, education or training) for youth aged 15â29, at 9.6%, among these districts. About 57.8% of districts recorded a female LFPR of 40% or above.
Key facts
- Released by
- National Statistics Office (MoSPI) â first district-level labour indicators
- Highest LFPR (100 most populous)
- Surat, Gujarat â 68.6%
- Lowest LFPR/WPR (100 most populous)
- Darbhanga, Bihar
- Lowest youth NEET (100 most populous)
- Ernakulam, Kerala â 9.6%
- Female LFPR
- ~57.8% of districts at 40% or above
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which body released district-level labour market indicators for the first time on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A â National Statistics Office
The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the 'Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts'.
As per the NSO's district labour snapshot (September 2026), which district recorded the highest LFPR among the 100 most populous districts?
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Correct answer: B â Surat, Gujarat
Surat recorded the highest LFPR (68.6%), followed by Araria (68.0%) and Salem (67.8%).
Among the 100 most populous districts, which recorded the lowest LFPR and WPR in the NSO's September 2026 district snapshot?
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Correct answer: D â Darbhanga, Bihar
Darbhanga in Bihar recorded the lowest LFPR and WPR among the 100 most populous districts.
Consider the following about the NSO's Labour Market Snapshot of Selected Districts (September 2026): 1. Ernakulam recorded the lowest youth NEET rate among the 100 most populous districts. 2. About 57.8% of districts recorded a female LFPR of 40% or above. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C â Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Ernakulam's youth NEET rate was 9.6%, and about 57.8% of districts had a female LFPR of 40% or more.