New Initiatives to Empower Unorganised Workers in India
The Indian government has taken significant steps to support unorganised workers through two new initiatives. Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the State and Union Territory Microsites and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI) in New Delhi. This launch occurred during a meeting with State and Union Territory Labour Ministers and Secretaries. The initiatives aim to enhance access to welfare programs and improve job matching for workers across the country.
e-Shram Microsites: A Digital Solution for Workers
The e-Shram Microsites are state-specific digital platforms designed to integrate seamlessly with the national e-Shram database. These microsites will facilitate a two-way connection between State portals and the e-Shram portals. This integration simplifies the registration process for unorganised workers, allowing them to access both Central and State welfare programs easily.
The microsites serve as a one-stop solution for unorganised workers. They provide access to various services, including employment opportunities and skill development programs. For States and Union Territories, these microsites offer a ready-to-use digital infrastructure. This reduces the need for costly and time-consuming development processes. The real-time analytic dashboards available on these platforms will help policymakers make better decisions. States can also customize tools to meet their specific labour market needs.
For the workers themselves, the microsites ensure a smooth registration process. They can access a wide range of social security benefits and receive real-time updates on welfare schemes and job opportunities. The multilingual accessibility of the platform allows workers from different regions to obtain information in their preferred languages. This initiative aims to empower unorganised workers and enhance transparency in welfare service delivery.
Occupational Shortage Index: Bridging the Skills Gap
The second major initiative launched is the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI). This index aims to match labour market demand with supply, thereby improving employment outcomes across India. The OSI is based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) methodology and uses quarterly data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). It provides valuable insights into occupations facing shortages, helping align job seekers’ skills with industry demands.
The OSI will be a crucial tool for policymakers, training institutions, and businesses. It will help bridge skill gaps in high-demand sectors. By providing data-driven insights, the OSI enables more effective decision-making in workforce planning and skill development initiatives. This will optimize job matching and guide State governments and employers in creating targeted skill development programs.
The introduction of the OSI is timely, as it addresses the growing need for skilled workers in various industries. By focusing on real-time labour market data, the OSI ensures that skill development efforts are aligned with the actual needs of industries. This initiative is expected to make the workforce more future-ready and enhance overall employment outcomes in the country.
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