Empowering Rural Labour for Sustainable Livelihoods and SDG Progress: Primary Evidence From Jharkhand, India

ABSTRACT The present study investigates how empowering rural labour contributes to sustainable development in Jharkhand. Drawing on primary data from rural households and workers, the research examines how local employment conditions, skills and resource access shape livelihoods, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Findings reveal that empowered rural labour is associated with more stable incomes, lower rates of distress migration and greater adoption of responsible resource management, whereas disempowerment is linked to persistent poverty, inequality and unsustainable practices. The study is grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, decent work principles and human development theory, positioning labour as a central driver in rural development processes. Through empirical evidence from selected villages, it highlights structural vulnerabilities—such as low wages, seasonal unemployment, limited skill training, inadequate social protection and low institutional participation—that hinder sustainable outcomes. The analysis demonstrates strong interconnections between labour empowerment, livelihood resilience and progress towards SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Gender disparities, environmental degradation and migration patterns further underscore the need for integrated interventions. The paper offers evidence‐based policy recommendations for policymakers, development organisations and local institutions to enhance local employment, scale skill development, strengthen social protection, promote gender‐sensitive approaches, foster community participation and integrate primary data into rural policy design for inclusive and sustainable growth in vulnerable agrarian contexts such as Jharkhand.