The number of employed persons in the country grew by 34.35 per cent to 12.77 crore in eight years to 2013, according to the Sixth Economic Census.

Employment in urban parts increased by 37.46 per cent to 6.14 crore in 2013, whereas in rural areas the growth was 31.59 per cent to 6.62 crore compared to 2005.

The proportion of women in total workforce rose to 25.56 per cent in 2013 from about 20 per cent in 2005. In urban areas, the proportion of female workers was 19.8 per cent and 30.9 per cent in rural areas.

Maharashtra has the maximum number of employees at 1.43 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1.37 crore, West Bengal at 1.15 crore, Tamil Nadu 1.08 crore and Gujarat at 90.63 lakh.

Among union territories, Delhi has the maximum number of employees at 29.84 lakh followed by Chandigarh at 2.38 lakh and Puducherry at 2.17 lakh in 2013.

The country's population was over 121 crore in 2011, according to 2011 census.

The Economic Census does not include employment in agriculture, public administration, defence and compulsory social security services activities.

When asked about employment scenario, National Statistical Commission Chairman Pronab Sen said, "The growth in employment at 34 per cent in eight years period is a good rate. That means that it had grown at an annual rate of over 4 per cent when the population is growing at 2 per cent."

The number of establishments or firms increased by 41.73 per cent to 5.84 crore in 2013 over 2005 level. The number of firms grew by 45.57 during eight years to 2.34 crore in urban areas. Such firms grew by 39.28 per cent to 3.5 crore in rural areas during the period.

PTI