India's Informal Economy: Contractual Labour in the Formal Manufacturing Sector

The book investigates selected aspects of labor market informality in India, examining the factors that have expedited contractualization in the manufacturing sector since the early 1990s. It analyzes the features of informality and inclusion from the perspective of class and caste hierarchy, offering an exhaustive overview of economic inclusion following the economic reforms. The book also discusses the impact of economic reform policies on contractualization across industries and states and highlights the unfulfilled policy quest for inclusive growth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The demand for economic inclusion has surged, driven by the growing movements of farmers, workers, and social activists. Consequently, the question of adequate social representation for marginalized and underprivileged communities must take center stage in the discourse of inclusion.

This book delves into selected aspects of labor market informality in India. It explores the primary factors that have accelerated labor informality, particularly contractualization, in the manufacturing sector since the early 1990s. By examining the features of informality and inclusion from the perspectives of class and caste hierarchy in Indian society, the book provides a comprehensive overview of economic inclusion following the economic reforms. It offers fresh insights into labor market informality through the lens of social divisions in Indian society.

Developed on a broad canvas of multiple processes, policies, and factors that have contributed to this phenomenon, the book offers an elaborate analysis of contractualization within the industry from the perspectives of labor legislation and the labor market. Additionally, it contextualizes the issue of job informality for the post-economic reforms era, beginning in 1991. It examines the impact of economic reform policies on contractualization across industries and states. Furthermore, the book discusses the dynamics of labor market reforms in India, given the higher incidence of labor informality. It highlights the unfulfilled policy quest for inclusive growth.

This book serves as a valuable resource for advanced students, academic researchers, scholars, and policy makers actively engaged in addressing issues related to informal sector employment.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032373713