India proposes PLFS survey changes to count platform and unpaid work

The statistics ministry has sought feedback on proposed survey changes, including better measurement of platform workers and unpaid household activities from 2027.

India’s National Statistics Office has proposed changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to better measure digital-platform employment and unpaid work. The proposal was reported on 23 October 2026 and is open for public and expert feedback.

The proposed approach would identify households with members engaged in work through digital platforms. New questions would also cover unpaid production for household use, caregiving, volunteering and unpaid trainee work. Officials say existing sampling does not adequately capture digital-platform workers.

The proposed changes are associated with a revised survey sample starting in January 2027. The ministry invited comments within 15 days of its 23 October announcement. These are proposals, not changes already in force.

Announcement: 23 October 2026.
Proposed transition: January 2027.
Focus: platform workers and unpaid household, care and volunteer activities.
Status: consultation; not implemented yet.

Featured image: representative office photograph by Dylan Gillis / Unsplash; it does not depict the actual survey or announcement.

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Featured image: representative office photograph by Dylan Gillis / Unsplash; it does not depict the actual survey or announcement. Photographer profile · Unsplash License.