Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024: Insights into Gender Roles and Employment

The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024 conducted by the National Statistics Office unveils transformative shifts in gender roles and employment patterns in India. This survey is pivotal for UPSC aspirants, especially for General Studies Papers 1 and 2, as it provides insights into societal changes. Last Updated: 2025-02-27

Key Facts About Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024

• 75% of males and 25% of females participated in employment activities in 2024.
• Women's unpaid domestic work decreased from 315 to 305 minutes per day.
• Urban women showed a higher increase in employment compared to rural women.
• 41% of women and 21.4% of men participated in caregiving.
• Women spent an average of 140 minutes per day on caregiving, while men spent 74 minutes.
• People aged 6+ spent 11% of their daily time on cultural and leisure activities.
• Children aged 6-14 dedicated an average of 413 minutes per day to education.
• Approximately 16.8% of the population produced goods for final use.
• The survey was conducted from January to December 2024.
• The first TUS was conducted in 2019.

India's Societal Shift: Gender Roles and Employment

The TUS 2024 highlights a macro-level shift in India's societal norms, reflecting a move towards gender equality. The increase in women's employment and male participation in caregiving aligns with India's strategic goals of enhancing workforce diversity and promoting gender parity. This shift is crucial for India's economic growth, as it can lead to a more balanced and productive workforce. Comparatively, India's progress in gender roles is gaining traction on the global stage, positioning the country as a model for evolving societal norms.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Betty Bachao Beti Padhao: Promotes education and empowerment of the girl child.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Provides maternity benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• National Policy for Women 2016: Aims to create an enabling environment for women to realize their full potential.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 1: Society - Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues.
• GS Paper 2: Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
• GS Paper 3: Economy - Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Prelims: Questions on statistical data, such as participation rates and time spent on activities.
• Mains: Analytical themes on gender roles, employment patterns, and societal changes.

FAQ Section

• What is the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024?

  The Time Use Survey 2024 is a comprehensive study conducted by the National Statistics Office to analyze how different demographics in India allocate their time across various activities, focusing on employment and gender roles.

• Why is the Time Use Survey important?

  The survey provides critical insights into societal changes, highlighting shifts in gender roles and employment patterns. It is essential for policy-making and understanding the evolving dynamics of the Indian workforce.

• What are the key features of TUS 2024?

  Key features include a significant increase in women's employment, a decrease in unpaid domestic work, and increased male participation in caregiving. The survey also notes a rise in leisure and cultural activities.