Millions of Indians, particularly women, are exiting the labour force, reports The Hindustan Times, citing data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt, a private research firm in Mumbai. The research found that between 2017 and 2022, the overall labour participation rate dropped from 46% to 40%. Among women, the data showed that 21 million left the workforce, leaving 9% of the eligible population employed or looking for positions. The data suggests that more than half of the 900 million Indians of legal working age, do not want a job. “The large share of discouraged workers suggests that India is unlikely to reap the dividend that its young population has to offer,” said Kunal Kundu, an economist with Societe Generale GSC Pvt in Bengaluru. “India will likely remain in a middle-income trap, with the K-shaped growth path further fuelling inequality.”