Tapping the Untapped

In most developing countries, including India, with growing population and urbanisation, the unorganised sector and informal employment have not only persisted but have also witnessed growth over the years, particularly during globalisation. The unorganised sector tends to absorb much of the expanding labour force in urban areas. In Uttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous Indian state, high population growth results in a comparatively high share of unorganised sector in terms of employment; accordingly, transforming the unorganised sector is crucial for UP's modernisation, growth, and attainment of regional economic equality. The organised sector has always been structured with broad and clear policies; by contrast, policies are scant in the unorganised sector that nonetheless provides increasing employment albeit with insecurities, uncertainties and low standard of living. This study identifies the demographics and consumption patterns of the workers in the unorganised sector including their work conditions and health status in UP. The study provides useful recommendations for policy making towards achieving balanced growth in the state.