Government Jobs vs Private Jobs in India in 2018: An In-Depth Analysis

In 2018, the distribution of jobs in India was characterized by a significant prevalence of private sector employment over government jobs. While the exact percentages can vary based on the source and method of data collection, estimates suggest that around 90% of jobs were in the private sector, with only about 10% in the government sector. This distribution reflects the broader trends in the Indian economy, where the private sector has been a significant driver of employment growth, especially in industries such as IT, manufacturing, and services.

Proportion of Employed Population in 2018

According to data from the Public Enterprises Survey 2016-17, the total number of permanent employees employed in Central Public Sector Enterprises as of 31.03.2017 was 1,130,840. Additionally, the survey highlighted that these firms constituted only 13% of total firms in the private non-agriculture sector. However, they accounted for 93% of their total turnover.

Employment by Sector

The survey also provided insights into the specific breakdown of employment by sector. Approximately 3.78% of the total population worked in the government sector, while 3.46% were employed in the private sector. This translates to 3.75% of the population being employed in the government sector and 3.54% in the private, organized sector. A significant portion, 42%, of the workforce was engaged in agriculture, with the rest being either in the unorganized sector or unemployed.

Government vs Private Sector: Key Players and Trends

The prevalence of private sector employment in India is a result of several factors, including the growth of service and technology sectors. According to Katam SS Chandra Rao, General Secretary of the Steel Traders Association (SEA) in Vizagsteel Rinl, while government jobs continue to be preferred for their stability and benefits, they represent a smaller proportion of the total employment market. This preference often extends to higher management positions too, with managerial or administrative roles comprising 265,486 out of the total 1,130,840 permanent employees in Central Public Sector Enterprises.

Contract Workers in Government Enterprises

It is important to note that the government sector also employs a significant number of contract workers. As of 31.03.2017, the total number of contract workers engaged by Central Public Sector Enterprises was 338,521. This highlights the dual nature of employment within the government sector: while permanent roles remain stable and sought after, contract positions have also expanded.

Conclusion

Overall, the distribution of jobs in India in 2018 shows a marked shift towards the private sector. While government jobs are still highly valued due to their stability and benefits, they form a smaller part of the total job market. The growth in the private sector, particularly in technology and services, continues to drive employment rates and growth in the economy. If you are looking for more specific data or for data from a different year, please let me know!