Employment in the Informal Sector in India

This book explores the transition, transformation, and future of the informal sector, informal work, and informal workers in India from the perspectives of development economics and international organizations. It discusses the debate over the definition of the sector and the different approaches taken by international labor statisticians and Indian official statistics. It also analyzes the size, contribution, productivity, and potential of the informal sector and highlights the heterogeneity and decomposition of the sector with respect to these aspects. The book develops a political economic interpretation of the historical transition of the informal sector in India, employing heterodox economics as a theoretical basis, with a critical note on standard neoclassical economic analysis. The final part of the book focuses on understanding the development of capitalism in the country under neoliberalism, which is crucial to understanding the informal sector in any country, particularly in India.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of the informal sector, informal work, and informal workers in India, exploring their transition, transformation, and future from the perspectives of development economics and international organizations. While the informal sector has a rich historical heritage in India, it has undergone a significant metamorphosis in the aftermath of neoliberal economic policies. The sector gained newfound prominence in the 1980s and has since solidified its position as the country's dominant sector, exhibiting remarkable growth and resilience. During this period, numerous reports on the informal sector have emerged, placing India's informal sector within the broader international context. The central debate revolves around the definition of this sector, with international labor statisticians proposing a mechanism for its definition and measurement, while Indian official statistics adopt a distinct approach. The book meticulously analyzes the various definitions and measurement controversies across different countries and contextualizes India's official stance. While discussing the size, contribution, productivity, and potential of the informal sector, the book also highlights the sector's heterogeneity and decomposition in these aspects. Building upon heterodox economics as a theoretical foundation, the book offers a critical perspective on standard neoclassical economic analysis. The final section of the book focuses on understanding the development of capitalism in India under neoliberalism, recognizing its pivotal role in comprehending the informal sector in any country, particularly India. In the current socio-economic landscape, this volume holds immense relevance for researchers, non-governmental organizations, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving dynamics of the informal sector in India.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811508431
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022