With over 16 million retail shops in the country — about one for every 15 families — this sector of work surpasses others in its numbers.
Manufacturing is second to retail with over 10 million units. However, the number of employees in this sector is greater than those in the retail trade. Most retail stores are tiny by Western standards and employ less than ten people.
Transport companies, warehousing, hotels and eateries, and healthcare-related enterprises are other major occupations, while educational enterprises have emerged as major employers.
These facts emerge from the 6th Economic Census conducted by the Government of India in 2013, detailed results of which were released earlier this year, reports the Times of India.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
