In India, marginal worker is a person who works for less than how many months in a year?

The correct answer is '6 months'

Key Points

• Marginal worker in India:
  • A marginal worker is defined by the Census of India as a person who works for less than 183 days in a year, which translates to less than 6 months.
  • Such workers are typically engaged in seasonal or temporary employment, often in agriculture, construction, or other informal sectors.
  • They are distinct from main workers, who work for 183 days or more in a year.

Additional Information

• Incorrect Options:
  • Option 1 (9 months): This is incorrect because the Census does not define marginal workers based on working for 9 months or more. Workers who engage in employment for such a period are considered main workers.
  • Option 3 (8 months): This is also incorrect because the threshold defined by the Census is specifically less than 6 months, not 8 months.
  • Option 4 (7 months): Similarly, 7 months does not align with the Census definition of marginal workers, which is based on working for less than 183 days (6 months) in a year.
  • Option 5 (2 months): While 2 months falls under the category of working less than 6 months, the Census uses the specific figure of 183 days (6 months) as the cutoff point to distinguish marginal workers from main workers.
• Relevance of the Marginal Worker Classification:
  • This classification helps in understanding the employment patterns in India, particularly in rural areas where seasonal work is common.
  • It highlights the precarious nature of employment for a significant portion of the population, which is vital for policy-making and welfare programs.