A Geographical View To Assessment The Work Participation Rate Of Population In The Godda District Of Jharkhand

This study examines the Work Participation Rate (WPR) in Godda District, Jharkhand, from a population geography perspective, analysing spatial, gender, and economic dimensions of workforce engagement. Utilizing secondary data from the 2011 District Census Handbook, Periodic Labour Force Survey (2023–24), and Economic Survey (2024–25), the research reveals a district WPR of 42.04%, lower than the WPR of Jharkhand 49% and India 50.4%, with rural blocks like Sundarpahari (54.00%) and Boarijor (47.31%) showing higher participation driven by marginal workers in seasonal agriculture, contrasted by the low WPR of urban Godda Nagar Panchayat26.82% with formalized employment. Gender disparities are stark, with male WPR at 50.75% and female at 32.76%, particularly pronounced in urban areas (35.46% gap in Godda Nagar Panchayat). The dominance of marginal workers (57.33% of total workers) underscores economic vulnerability, while high dependency ratios in urban areas reflect non-working populations. Employing descriptive and analytical methods, the study identifies socio-economic challenges like underemployment and limited female participation, proposing recommendations such as stable non-agricultural job creation, skill development, female workforce inclusion, and agricultural modernization. By mapping economic vitality, the research contributes to population geography, informing targeted policy interventions for sustainable development in Godda District.