Likewise, the percentage of number of workers associated with manufacturing of wearing apparel have increased to 8.39 in 2022-23 from 8.26 in 2021-22, according to the ASUSE Results for both years released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

The total number of establishments in the unincorporated sector increased from 5.97 crore in 2021-22 to 6.50 crore in 2022-23, representing a 5.88 per cent annual growth. Among the broad sectors under coverage, the number of establishments in the other services sector has been the most in ASUSE 2022-23 (37.88 per cent), followed by trade (34.71 per cent) and manufacturing (27.41 per cent). More than 40 per cent of the establishments in this sector are engaged in either retail trade (around 30 per cent) or manufacturing of wearing apparel (around 11 per cent) as per ASUSE 2022-23.

Among the major states, highest number of establishments (rural and urban combined) has been reported in Uttar Pradesh, followed by West Bengal and Maharashtra in ASUSE 2021-22 as well as in ASUSE 2022-23, the reports showed.

The unincorporated non-agricultural sector holds significant importance in the Indian economy, primarily due to its ability to absorb a significant portion of the country’s workforce, its inclusivity in providing employment opportunities to a diverse range of people, including those from rural areas, and those with limited formal education and also its contribution to country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)