The Invisible Majority: India's Workforce and the Media Discourse

India's diverse workforce forms the backbone of its economy, yet many labor groups remain underrepresented in public discourse. Recent estimates from government sources provide insight into the composition of India's labor force:

1. Agricultural Labourers-Approximately 42% of the workforce, with agricultural laborers alone comprising 20-25%.

2. Factory Workers-Around 10-15% of the workforce, part of the broader industrial sector.

3. Gig Workers-A growing segment, estimated at 2-3% of the total workforce.

4. Unorganised Sector Workers-A significant portion, estimated at 80-85% of the workforce.

5. Small Shopkeepers-Approximately 4-5% of the total workforce.

*Disclaimer: These figures are approximations and may vary based on the source and year of data. For the most accurate and current statistics, refer to official reports from the Government of India and related research institutions.

Despite their substantial presence, these labor groups receive minimal attention in mainstream media unless extraordinary events occur. Crucial issues affecting the majority of Indians are often overlooked in public, political, and media discourses, including:

- Declining savings

- Stagnant or decreasing real wages

- Employment below subsistence levels

- Failed agricultural yields and their impacts

- Indebtedness and borrowing

Furthermore, the everyday struggles of common people are largely ignored, such as:

- Access to quality, affordable education and healthcare

- Safe and clean neighborhoods

- Adequate sanitation

- Access to safe drinking water

The media rarely provides comparative analyses of India's development progress relative to neighboring countries or developed nations, particularly regarding wealth inequality, economic disparities, and civil liberties.

Instead, the Indian audience is inundated with coverage of:

- Lifestyles of the super-rich

- Superstitions

- Religious and communal conflicts

- hate and spicy fake and paid news

This skewed focus is largely driven by powerful politicians and media controlled by the wealthy elite. Intellectuals, either out of fear or self-interest, often fail to address these critical issues. As a result, the general public is kept informationally impoverished and intellectually stunted.

The disconnect between media coverage and ground realities has created a significant gap in public awareness. By neglecting the real issues affecting the majority of India's population, media outlets and intellectuals are failing in their responsibility to inform and educate the public about matters crucial to their daily lives and the nation's development.