The National Statistical Office (NSO) recently released the 2nd Time Use Survey (TUS) for 2024, providing key insights into how people allocate their time across different activities. This survey is crucial for understanding gender-based participation in both paid and unpaid work, reflecting societal and economic changes.
About the Time Use Survey (TUS)
Purpose:
It provides a systematic framework for measuring time allocation across various activities by different sections of the population.
Objective:
To measure the participation of men and women in both paid and unpaid activities.
To offer insights into time spent on domestic work, caregiving, leisure, and employment-related tasks.
Key Findings of TUS 2024
Increased Women's Participation in Paid Activities:
There has been a notable rise in women's engagement in employment-related activities.
This reflects changing socio-economic conditions and improved access to employment opportunities.
Recognition of Caregiving Roles Across Genders:
There is a growing acknowledgement of caregiving responsibilities, shared by both men and women.
This suggests a shift toward gender equality in household duties.
Rise in Leisure and Cultural Activities:
Both men and women are spending more time on activities related to culture, mass media, leisure, and sports.
This indicates a better work-life balance and increased engagement in recreational pursuits.
Significance of Time Use Survey
Gender Equality Monitoring:
Helps assess gender gaps in domestic and work-related contributions.
Policy Formulation:
Supports the creation of evidence-based policies on work-life balance, care economy, and gender parity.
Socio-Economic Planning:
Provides data for labour market evaluations and unpaid work contribution to the economy.
Comparing TUS 2024 with TUS 2019
Parameter | TUS 2019 | TUS 2024 |
Women in Paid Work | Limited participation | Increased participation |
Caregiving Acknowledgment | Gendered division of labor | More shared responsibilities |
Leisure & Cultural Engagement | Moderate levels | Increased time investment |
Global Context of Time Use Surveys
International Comparisons:
Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia also conduct time-use surveys to track work-life balance.
SDG Alignment:
Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work).
Challenges in Conducting TUS
Underreporting of Unpaid Work:
Many forms of domestic work remain undervalued and invisible in the economy.
Data Collection Issues:
Gathering accurate, comprehensive data on daily activities poses methodological challenges.
Policy Implementation Gap:
Translating survey insights into actionable policies remains a challenge.
Way Forward
Gender-Sensitive Policies:
Formulate policies that recognize and value unpaid care work.
Periodic Surveys:
Conduct regular TUS studies for continuous monitoring of time-use patterns.
Public Awareness:
Increase awareness about the economic value of unpaid domestic work.
UPSC Prelims Question
Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Time Use Survey (TUS) in India:
It is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
TUS measures only the time spent on employment-related activities.
The 2024 TUS indicates increased participation of women in paid activities.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
UPSC Mains Question
Q. Examine the significance of the Time Use Survey (TUS) in understanding gender roles and socio-economic planning in India. How can its findings influence policy-making?
(GS Paper 1 – Society & Social Justice)
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