Maharashtra Completes PLFS and ASUSE Training Workshop to Improve Employment and Enterprise Data Collection

Five-Day Training Programme Held in Talegaon Dabhade for Survey Investigators and Supervisors

The Maharashtra Government has successfully completed a five-day regional training workshop aimed at strengthening the implementation of two important national surveys—the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).

The workshop was organized by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics under the State Planning Department and took place at the National Institute of Post-Harvest Technology (NIPHT) in Talegaon Dabhade from June 5 to June 10, 2026. The programme focused on preparing investigators and supervisors who will conduct survey work across the Konkan and Pune divisions.

Training Inaugurated by Commissioner Dr. Jyotsna Padiyar

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Jyotsna Padiyar, Commissioner of Economics and Statistics, Maharashtra. The training aimed to equip field officials with the skills and knowledge required to collect accurate data on employment, unemployment and unorganized sector enterprises.

Officials highlighted that high-quality data gathered through these surveys will play a crucial role in supporting government planning and policymaking.

Over 6,800 Survey Units to be Covered Across Maharashtra

The PLFS and ASUSE surveys will be conducted between April 2026 and March 2027 across Maharashtra. A total of 6,828 sample units have been selected for the survey exercise, which will be carried out by 276 trained investigators and supervisors.

In the Konkan and Pune divisions alone, 2,956 urban and rural sample units have been identified. Survey activities in these regions will be managed by 75 investigators and 28 supervisors.

Survey Data to Support Welfare Schemes and Development Planning

Addressing participants through video conferencing, Gajanan Patil, Chief Executive Officer and In-charge District Collector, stressed the importance of the surveys in shaping welfare programmes and development policies.

He said the information collected would help governments at village, district and divisional levels make informed decisions. Patil also appealed to citizens to cooperate with survey teams and provide correct information during data collection.

Supporting the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Ruhi Kulkarni, Deputy Director of the National Statistical Office (NSO-FOD), Pune, said the training programme would help ensure smooth and effective implementation of the surveys.

She noted that reliable statistical data is essential for evidence-based governance and aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, which focuses on inclusive and sustainable development.

Employment and Enterprise Data Key to Economic Growth

Retired Additional Director General Ashok Toparani highlighted the significance of both surveys in measuring India's economic progress. According to him, the findings will offer valuable insights into employment trends and the performance of businesses operating in the unorganized sector.

Dr. Jyotsna Padiyar also emphasized that districts have become the center of development planning under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework. The surveys will generate district-level information on employment, unemployment, enterprise activity and job creation, enabling governments to prepare more accurate income estimates and development strategies.

Hands-On Training on Digital Survey Technology

During the residential programme, investigators and supervisors appointed through Ipsos Research Pvt. Ltd. received detailed training on labour force concepts, workforce participation rates and the operational structure of unorganized enterprises.

Participants were also trained in analyzing enterprise income, expenditure and financial conditions. A major focus of the workshop was practical training on tablet-based Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology, which will be used for digital data collection during field surveys.

Senior Officials Attend Workshop

Several senior officials attended the programme, including Joint Commissioner Bhishma Biradar, Joint Commissioner (Planning) Sanjay Markale, District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Bokil from the District Statistics Office, and Ipsos Director Tripti Sharma.

The workshop began with an introductory address by Joint Commissioner Jaisingh Mehetre, while Acting Joint Commissioner Vrushali Makar delivered the vote of thanks.