Introduction
The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), provides critical insights into how individuals allocate time across various activities. The survey highlights trends in employment, unpaid domestic work, caregiving, learning, leisure, and self-care, with a particular focus on gender disparities and changing societal roles.
This report is particularly relevant in India’s governance and social justice landscape, as it helps policymakers craft gender-sensitive policies, employment strategies, and social welfare programs to ensure inclusive development.
Key Findings from TUS 2024
1. Women’s Participation in Employment and Unpaid Work
25% of women (aged 15-59) engaged in employment-related activities, an increase from 21.8% in 2019.
However, men spent 132 minutes more per day than women on employment activities (473 minutes vs. 341 minutes).
Women dedicated 201 minutes more per day to unpaid domestic work (289 minutes vs. 88 minutes for men).
2. Caregiving and Domestic Responsibilities
41% of women participated in caregiving activities, compared to only 21.4% of men.
Women spent 137 minutes/day on caregiving duties, while men spent 75 minutes/day.
The time spent by women on unpaid domestic work declined from 315 minutes/day in 2019 to 305 minutes/day in 2024.
3. Learning and Skill Development
89.3% of children (aged 6-14) participated in learning activities, spending an average of 413 minutes/day.
However, learning time declined for both genders:
Males: 415 minutes/day (a decline of 11 minutes).
Females: 413 minutes/day (a decline of 10 minutes).
4. Leisure, Mass Media, and Social Activities
11% of daily time was spent on leisure, culture, mass media, and sports, up from 9.9% in 2019.
Time spent on socializing and communication remained constant for women (139 minutes/day), but decreased for men (from 147 minutes to 138 minutes).
5. Self-Care and Maintenance
Individuals aged 6+ years spent an average of 708 minutes/day on self-care.
Women spent 706 minutes/day, while men spent 710 minutes/day.
Analysis of TUS 2024 Report
Positive Trends
Increase in Women’s Workforce Participation
Women’s employment rate increased from 21.8% in 2019 to 25% in 2024.
Indicates a gradual shift toward economic empowerment.
Reduction in Unpaid Domestic Work for Women
A 10-minute daily reduction in unpaid domestic work for women signifies slow but positive progress toward gender equality.
Greater Recognition of Caregiving Responsibilities
Both men and women showed an increase in caregiving participation, reflecting changing family dynamics.
Rise in Cultural and Leisure Activities
The increase in time spent on leisure and mass media reflects improved work-life balance.
Higher Learning Participation Among Children
Despite a slight decline in study hours, 89.3% participation in learning activities suggests strong educational engagement.
Challenges and Negative Aspects
Persistent Gender Disparities in Household Work
Women still spend 201 minutes more than men on unpaid domestic work, indicating deeply ingrained gender roles.
Decline in Learning Time for Youth
The decrease in time spent on learning for both genders raises concerns about educational outcomes and possible distractions like social media.
Limited Male Participation in Caregiving
Only 21.4% of men engaged in caregiving activities, compared to 41% of women, showing an unequal burden on women.
Rural-Urban Employment Divide
8% of rural individuals engaged in self-production activities, compared to 6.2% in urban areas, reflecting economic inequalities.
Gender Disparity in Employment
Women spent 132 minutes less per day than men in paid employment, highlighting barriers in job opportunities and workplace participation.
Way Forward: Policy Recommendations
1. Promote Gender Equality in Domestic Responsibilities
Awareness Campaigns: Encourage equal sharing of unpaid household work.
Workplace Support: Introduce paid paternity leave and family-friendly work policies.
2. Increase Women’s Workforce Participation
Flexible Work Policies: Promote remote work, hybrid jobs, and flexible hours.
Skill Development Programs: Expand vocational training in STEM, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Childcare Support: Strengthen affordable daycare facilities to help working mothers.
3. Revitalize Learning & Skill Development
Digital Learning Initiatives: Expand online education and e-learning platforms.
Vocational Training Centers: Set up skill-based programs to boost youth employability.
4. Reduce Rural-Urban Economic Disparities
Rural Employment Schemes: Strengthen MNREGA and Skill India programs.
Financial Inclusion: Increase access to credit, banking, and microfinance.
5. Data-Driven Policy Interventions
Regular Time Use Surveys: Conduct annual surveys for better tracking of gender and labor trends.
Nudging Corporate Policies: Encourage companies to implement gender-sensitive HR policies.
Conclusion
While TUS 2024 reveals positive trends in women’s employment and a reduction in unpaid domestic work, gender disparities remain. Policies focusing on economic empowerment, shared caregiving, and workforce inclusivity are necessary to achieve true gender equality and social progress.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for UPSC CSE
What is the primary objective of the Time Use Survey (TUS)? a) To track economic growth trends
b) To analyze how individuals allocate their time across activities
c) To measure literacy rates
d) To assess GDP growth
Answer: b) To analyze how individuals allocate their time across activitiesWhich age group showed the highest participation in learning activities according to TUS 2024? a) 15-30 years
b) 6-14 years
c) 30-45 years
d) 45+ years
Answer: b) 6-14 yearsWhich sector saw the highest increase in women’s participation in TUS 2024? a) Agriculture
b) Manufacturing
c) Employment-related activities
d) Healthcare
Answer: c) Employment-related activities
Mains Question for UPSC CSE
Q: Distinguish between the 'care economy' and the 'monetized economy.' How can the care economy be brought into a monetized economy through women empowerment? (UPSC 2023)
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