The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The structure of the workforce in India is classified into three broad categories based on employment status: Self-employed, Regular Wage/Salaried Employees, and Casual Labourers. The distribution of these categories varies significantly between rural and urban areas due to the nature of economic activities (agriculture vs. industry/services).
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: In rural areas, the primary economic activity is agriculture. Since a large portion of the rural population cultivates their own land (even if small holdings) or engages in family-based enterprises, self-employment is the dominant status. According to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, self-employment constitutes the largest share (over 50%) of the rural workforce, which is significantly higher than in urban areas.
- Statement 2 is Correct: While landless casual labourers form a significant part of the rural workforce (approximately 20-25%), they do not constitute the majority. The majority of the rural workforce consists of self-employed individuals (farmers and artisans).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The statement uses the extreme term "everyone." The urban workforce is diverse and includes a high proportion of regular salaried employees (approximately 40-50%) and casual labourers. While self-employment (running shops, businesses, or offices) exists, it does not encompass the entire urban population.
Key Takeaway:
Self-employment is the primary source of livelihood in rural India (due to agriculture), whereas Regular Wage/Salaried employment has a much higher share in urban areas compared to rural areas.