The estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained on the basis of quinquennial surveys conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation . As per two most recent quinquennial rounds of surveys, the employment opportunities were estimated at 338.19 million in 1999-2000 (55th round) and 384.91 million in 2004-05 (61st round). The next round of survey for 2009-10 by National Sample Survey Organization is in progress and the data is expected to be released in 2011 on the basis of this survey.

The 11th Plan document approved by National Development Council has projected that 58 million job opportunities on Current Daily Status are likely to be created during the 11th Plan period.

Government of India has been implementing various employment generation programmes such as Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana(SJSRY), Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana(SGSY), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). Budget allocation under these schemes has been increased substantially and it is expected that higher investment in these schemes will lead to generation of higher employment opportunities.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Harish Rawat in the Lok Sabha