Rethinking Care in India’s Economy

In January 2026, the topic of invisibility of women's labour, which remains excluded from GDP calculations and national policy frameworks, was in news.

Conceptual Framework and Labour Participation

  • The care economy encompasses production of goods and services necessary for physical, social, and emotional well-being.
  • In India, women spend 16.4% of their day on unpaid domestic work compared to 1.7% for males.
  • The care economy extends beyond physical tasks to include emotional and mental labour essential for social stability.
  • Time Use Surveys conducted by the NSO provide data to argue for including unpaid work in GDP.

Legislative and Institutional Provisions

  • The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) ....
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