The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, conducted by India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, reveals that people in Maharashtra are spending significantly more time on employment-related activities, at 469 minutes per day—well above the national average of 440 minutes. This marks a noticeable rise from 440 minutes recorded in 2019, indicating an increase in work intensity. The trend is accompanied by a decline in time spent on learning, self-care, and social activities.
Maharashtra’s Time Divide: Gender Gaps and Decline in Learning, Caregiving, and Social Time
A notable gender divide continues in time allocation. Men in Maharashtra spend an average of 500 minutes on employment and related tasks, while women spend 395 minutes. However, women continue to bear the burden of unpaid domestic and caregiving work. They spend 281 minutes daily on domestic chores—like cooking, cleaning, and shopping—compared to 90 minutes by men. In caregiving activities, women also lead with 127 minutes, versus 71 minutes for men.
Interestingly, time spent on unpaid domestic services and caregiving has decreased since 2019—from 242 to 239 minutes and 112 to 106 minutes, respectively. The steepest drop is seen in unpaid volunteer and trainee work, which fell sharply from 151 minutes to 116 minutes. Time spent on learning activities also declined, dropping from 434 to 415 minutes, and socialising and participation in community or religious events fell from 145 to 132 minutes.
Leisure Time Rises Slightly as Self-Care Declines Amid Work Stress, Reveals TUS 2024
Only one category—culture, leisure, mass media, and sports—saw a marginal increase, rising from 164 to 167 minutes. Meanwhile, self-care time, including sleep and hygiene, declined from 715 minutes to 709 minutes. Experts attribute this trend to growing financial stress, work pressures, and digital distractions, warning that neglecting personal well-being in pursuit of productivity may harm mental and physical health.
TUS provides critical insights into how men and women allocate time across paid and unpaid activities. First conducted nationally in 2019, the 2024-25 survey covered 1.39 lakh households and 4.54 lakh individuals, helping shape policies on gender equity, poverty reduction, and human development.
Summary:
The 2024 Time Use Survey reveals Maharashtrians are working more—469 minutes daily—surpassing the national average. Time spent on learning, caregiving, self-care, and social activities has declined. A gender gap persists, with women handling most unpaid domestic work. Experts warn this shift may harm well-being, urging balanced time allocation.
