The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Census of India classifies the workforce into four primary occupational categories: Cultivators, Agricultural Labourers, Household Industry Workers, and Other Workers. This classification provides data on the sectoral distribution of the workforce, reflecting the country's economic structure.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
According to the 2011 Census, Cultivators constitute approximately 24.6% and Agricultural Labourers constitute approximately 30.0% of the total working population. Together, they account for roughly 54.6% of the total workforce. Thus, the primary sector (agriculture and allied activities) continues to employ more than half of India's working population.
Statement 2 is Correct:
While the percentage of the female workforce engaged in the primary sector is higher than the percentage of the male workforce engaged in the same, the absolute number of male workers in the primary sector is higher than that of female workers.
Data: In 2011, male workers in agriculture (Cultivators + Agricultural Labourers) numbered approximately 165 million, whereas female workers numbered approximately 97 million. This is due to the significantly higher overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among males.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Workers in Household Industries constitute a very small portion of the workforce, approximately 3.8%. In contrast, the 'Other Workers' category (which includes the secondary sector outside household industries and the entire tertiary sector) constitutes about 41.6%. Consequently, the proportion of workers in the tertiary sector is significantly higher than in household industries.
Key Takeaway:
The 2011 Census marked a significant shift where Agricultural Labourers outnumbered Cultivators for the first time. Despite the growth of the services sector, agriculture remains the largest employer in India, engaging over 50% of the workforce.