India Launches e-Shram Microsites and Occupational Shortage Index for Worker Welfare

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-01-31 12:08:13 |

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The Government of India has recently introduced two major initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of unorganised workers. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance employment outcomes and streamline access to government welfare programs. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced these measures during a meeting with State and Union Territory Labour Ministers.

One of the key initiatives is the introduction of e-Shram microsites, which are state-specific digital platforms integrated with the national e-Shram database. These microsites simplify the registration process for unorganised workers, providing them with a single access point to central and state government welfare programs. By offering multilingual support, the platforms ensure ease of use for workers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The microsites also provide employment opportunities and skilling programs, helping workers enhance their career prospects.

The second major initiative, the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI), is designed to match labour market demand with supply. Developed using the International Labour Organization’s methodology and quarterly data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the OSI identifies occupations facing shortages. This information enables job seekers to align their skills with industry requirements while helping policymakers and training institutions address skill gaps in high-demand sectors.

A key advantage of these initiatives is the seamless integration of e-Shram microsites with the national database, ensuring real-time updates on welfare schemes and job opportunities. For states and Union Territories, these platforms provide ready-to-use digital infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive development efforts. Additionally, real-time analytic dashboards assist authorities in making informed policy decisions to enhance worker welfare.

These initiatives coincide with the ongoing implementation of India’s four Labour Codes, which aim to improve workers’ rights and the overall labour market landscape. As of January 2025, more than 18 states and Union Territories have made progress in drafting the necessary rules, with the government targeting the completion of pre-publication of harmonised draft rules by March 31, 2025. Through these efforts, the government aims to create a more inclusive and efficient framework for unorganised workers, ultimately improving their employment prospects and access to essential welfare services.

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