UPSC Notes

Economic Valuation of Unpaid Domestic Work

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept addresses critical issues of gender equality, women's empowerment, social justice, the economic contribution of women, and the impact of judicial pronouncements on societal norms and economic recognition. It is crucial for understanding inclusive growth and human development.

Unpaid domestic work, primarily performed by women, encompasses household chores, childcare, and elder care, which are crucial for societal functioning but often excluded from national economic accounts, leading to their undervaluation and invisibility in policy-making.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Shishupal Judgment (2026)

Supreme Court set a notional value of ₹30,000/month for homemakers' services in Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) compensation cases.

Quantification Mechanism

The judgment mandates a 10% hike every three years and addition of a woman's salary if applicable, for MACT claims.

Precedent Cases

Builds upon previous rulings like Lata Wadhwa (2001) and Kirti vs Oriental Insurance (2021) which acknowledged economic value but lacked consistent quantification.

Societal Impact

Addresses the undervaluation of women's work, which contributes to suppressed female labor force participation and gender inequality.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGender Equality
Conceptual areaSocial Justice
Conceptual areaWomen's Empowerment

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaInterprets and sets legal precedents
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • SC's Shishupal judgment (2026) quantifies homemakers' services at ₹30,000/month for MACT claims.
  • Mandates 10% hike every three years; adds woman's salary if applicable.
  • Builds on Lata Wadhwa (2001) and Kirti vs Oriental Insurance (2021) precedents.
  • Addresses undervaluation of women's work and its link to low female labor force participation.
  • Has ripple effects on maintenance claims, rural labor valuation, and insurance risk models.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Gender EqualitySocial JusticeWomen's Empowerment

​Step forward: On the Shishupal judgment

18 Jun 2026 · The Supreme Court's Shishupal judgment significantly advanced the economic valuation of homemakers' unpaid domestic work, setting a precedent for compensation in accident cases and highlighting its broader implications for gender equality and labor force participation.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Economic Valuation of Unpaid Domestic Work

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Economic Valuation of Unpaid Domestic Work in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Economic Valuation of Unpaid Domestic Work

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements: 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the sc...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017? 1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-...

2019·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this r...

2021·Indian Polity
Solve

In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs ...

2020·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements : 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services...

2013·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality