Vol. 3, Issue 5, Part H (2017)

Abstract
This paper analyses trends and patterns of the work participation rate (WPR) in overall, rural, and urban areas by using a Differential Index method from independence onwards. The result shows remote districts from Kolkata observed a sound overall WPR compared to peripheral districts of Kolkata over the last several decennials. Over the last four decades, all districts observed a growing trend of rural WPR. The outcome of the study also shows that neighbouring districts of Kolkata perceived a low WPR in contrast to northern and western districts throughout the decades in rural areas. Highly urbanized districts in the north part, south-eastern part, and central part have experienced high urban WPR. Kolkata and its peripheral districts registered a negative change in WPR in urban areas for several decades. The study also shows that marginal districts of Kolkata have experienced a high dependency ratio (DR) contrasted to remote districts and the urban dependency ratio is high than rural. The Differential Index clearly shows rural WPR high than urban but the dominance of rural WPR is shrinking.