Changes in occupational

structure
Occupational structure: occupational
structure refers to the distribution of
working force into various sectors of
economic activity.
An occupation is defined as an economic
activity which provides means of
livelihood to those engaged in it.
Relationship between economic
development and occupational
structure
There is a close relationship between
development of an economy and its
occupational structure.
As a country develops, there is a shift of
workers from the primary sector to the
secondary and tertiary sector.
Increased in manufacturing employment
absorbs a major part of the population
released from agriculture.
sector 1951 1971 1991 2002 2004 2008
primary 72.1 72.1 66.8 60.4 58.4 52.1
Secondary 10.7 11.2 12.7 15.8 18.2
Tertiary 17.2 16.7 20.5 23.8 23.4
Analysis from the above table is as
follows
The rate of structural change in occupational distribution
appears to be very slow. The share of primary sector in
the total work force has declined from 72.1%in 1951 to
52.1% in 2008-09
The share of secondary sector is increasing but with a
very slow rate.
the share of tertiary sector is rising from just 17.2%in
1951 to 23.4% in 2004-05
It is clear that secondary and tertiary sectors have not
been adding much to employment opportunities due to
use of modern capital intensive technology.

The whole period beginning from 1901,
can be divided into sub-periods. During
the first sub-period. Lasting till as late as
1971, the occupational structure of India
did not change at all. The secondary
period covers the period since 1971, over
the last three decades, some definite
changes have taken place.
The process of modernization of the
economy is underway. But the pace of
modernization is so slow that is does not
leave a mark on the occupational
structure. The number of workers in
modern industries is on an increase . Also
there is an impressive expansion of job
opportunities in services like education,
health, science, railways, communications
etc.
By 1981-82, agriculture and allied activities were the
dominant sector in India as they accounted for 41.1%of
the net domestic product (NDP). The service sector
which is quite heterogeneous steadily grew over this
period and by 1981-82 emerged as one of the leading
sectors accounting for 35.6% of the NDP
Some development economists argue that the growth of
services sector in India in recent decades reflects the
structural transformation that normally occurs in a
developing economy as it moves to a somewhat higher
level of economic development.

Growth of service sector in this country is a
positive development and it should be further
encouraged as it may transform India into a
agrarian economy into modern developed
economy. According to economists the future of
the Indian economy rests with services-led
growth. Some other economists believe that
services are hugely important, but cannot by
themselves assure rapid and sustained growth
of the Indian economy.
In rural areas
71% of workforce in primary sector
11% of workforce is in secondary sector
12% of workforce is in tertiary sector
In urban areas
10% workforce is in primary sector
31% of workforce is in secondary sector
59% of workforce is in tertiary sectors