The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), through the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), classifies the Indian workforce into three broad categories based on employment status: Self-employed, Regular Wage/Salaried Employees, and Casual Labourers. Understanding the composition and characteristics of these categories is essential for analyzing the Indian labour market.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Regular salaried employment is not the major source of livelihood for the majority of the workforce. According to recent PLFS data (e.g., Annual Report 2022-23), Self-employment is the dominant category, accounting for over 50% of the total workforce. Regular wage/salaried employees constitute a much smaller portion (approximately 21-23%).
Statement 2 is Correct:
Self-employment constitutes the largest share of the workforce in India. As per recent estimates, the share of self-employed individuals (which includes own-account workers, employers, and unpaid family helpers) is significantly higher (above 50%) than that of regular salaried employees (around 21-23%) and casual labourers (around 22-24%).
Statement 3 is Correct:
Casual wage labourers are widely recognized as the most vulnerable category of workers. Unlike regular salaried employees who may have written contracts and social security benefits, casual labourers lack job security, regular income, and employment benefits (such as paid leave or provident fund). They are highly susceptible to economic shocks and seasonal unemployment.
Key Takeaway:
The structure of India's workforce is characterized by a predominance of self-employment (over 50%), followed by casual labour and regular salaried employment. Casual labourers remain the most economically vulnerable group due to the absence of social security and income stability.