Empowering Women Through Social Security Initiatives
In a significant move towards achieving a developed India by 2047, a roundtable discussion was held in New Delhi to address the pressing need for social security and care support for women. This initiative aligns with the vision outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26, which aims for 70% of women to be engaged in economic activities. The meeting, chaired by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, brought together senior officials from various ministries, international organizations, and academic institutions. The collaboration with UNICEF underscores the importance of this initiative in promoting women’s participation in the workforce.
Objectives of the Roundtable Discussion
The primary goal of the roundtable was to foster dialogue on enhancing social security coverage and care support for women, particularly those in the unorganized sector. The discussion aimed to leverage the Social Security Code and the eShram platform, which serves as a one-stop solution for various social welfare schemes. By facilitating knowledge exchange, the participants sought to develop a strategic action plan that would encourage greater female labor force participation across the country.
The meeting highlighted the need for innovative approaches to social security. Participants shared global best practices that demonstrate the effectiveness of family-friendly policies. These policies can create more opportunities for women while alleviating the pressures they face in balancing work and family responsibilities. The discussion also emphasized the importance of flexible working arrangements and addressing gender biases in existing social protection schemes. By integrating benefits from different government departments, the initiative aims to create a more cohesive support system for women.
The Role of eShram in Social Welfare
A key focus of the roundtable was the role of the eShram platform in facilitating the integration of various social welfare schemes. eShram is designed to streamline access to benefits for workers in the unorganized sector. During her address, Ms. Sumita Dawra emphasized the importance of the Aadhar-seed Unique Account Number provided to workers registered on eShram. This feature allows for tracking the distribution of social welfare benefits among beneficiaries, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
The integration of eShram with other portals, such as the National Career Service and SIDH for skill development, enhances the delivery of services. These platforms work together to match job demand and supply while supporting skill development initiatives. Evidence presented during the meeting indicated that such integrated efforts lead to significant positive outcomes. By creating a seamless delivery system, the initiative aims to boost employment generation and skill development for women.
Strategic Priorities for Women’s Employment
Ms. Dawra also addressed the thematic priorities outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26, which focus on promoting employment-led growth in various sectors. She highlighted the importance of labor-intensive industries, such as footwear, leather, and toys, in creating job opportunities for women. The discussion aimed to develop strategies that would not only promote employment generation but also enhance women’s participation in the labor force.
The roundtable underscored the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including international organizations and state-level partners. By working together, these entities can help achieve comprehensive last-mile delivery of social welfare schemes through the eShram platform. The emphasis on women’s empowerment and economic participation is crucial for the overall growth of the economy. The discussions held today mark a significant step towards realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where women play a central role in driving economic development.
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