In the ongoing national discourse on labor and wages, Bihar and Gujarat have emerged as focal points of discussion. Despite Gujarat boasting significantly higher per capita income than Bihar, laborers in agriculture and construction sectors face challenges in securing adequate wages. The latest report from the Reserve Bank of India sheds light on the financial situations of these states.
Kerala Takes the Lead in Laborer Wages
Kerala stands out as the state with the highest laborer wages, offering a daily wage of ₹852.60 per person. In comparison, other states lag behind in labor compensation. Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu rank second and third in labor wages, but the disparity remains significant. Jammu and Kashmir reports ₹534.50, while Tamil Nadu offers ₹500.9 per person per day.
Madhya Pradesh Records Lowest Daily Wages
Contrarily, Madhya Pradesh stands at the bottom with the lowest laborer wages among Hindi-speaking states, surpassing Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar report daily wages of ₹352.80 and ₹342.80, respectively, while Madhya Pradesh lags behind with an average daily wage of ₹278.7.
A Comparative Analysis of Income and Labor in Selected States:
| State | Agriculture Labor Wage (₹) | Construction Labor Wage (₹) | Per Capita Income (₹) |
|—————|—————————|—————————–|————————|
| Bihar | 342.80 | 308.7 | 54,111 |
| Gujarat | 323.2 | 241.9 | 2,41,930 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 352.80 | 309.3 | 83,565 |
| Madhya Pradesh| 278.7 | 229.2 | 1,40,583 |
Rising Female Participation in Agriculture Sector
The agricultural sector witnesses an increase in female workforce participation. Recent surveys from the Ministry of Labor reveal that, on a nationwide scale, the highest percentage of women are engaged in agriculture. The report indicates an estimated 63% of female employees in the agricultural sector, emphasizing a shifting trend in occupational choices.
While disparities persist in wage rates and labor participation across states, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to address economic imbalances and promote inclusive growth.
