Matribhumi Samachar English
Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated a regional meeting with five States/UTs of Central India viz. Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi in Lucknow today. This marks the fifth in a series of six regional meetings planned by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with all States/UTs, emphasizing the spirit of Cooperative Federalism.
The meeting focused on discussions around labour reforms, the eShram Portal, Building & Other Construction Workers (BoCW) and employment generation, reflecting the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and welfare of all sections of the workforce.
In her address, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Karandlaje, emphasised the critical role States must play in the successful implementation of the Labour reforms. Today’s meeting was held with the objective to interact closely with States, identify gaps, address concerns and draw up the way forward in a collaborative manner. She encouraged all participating States to align their steps with other States and with the overall vision laid out by the Central Government. She highlighted the role of States in ensuring welfare of the unorganised workers and motivated State officials to utilise various mechanisms created by the Ministry, including e-Shram.
Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, while setting the context for the meeting reiterated on the importance of adopting a ‘whole of Government’ approach in reforming the labour sector. With the objective of building synergies amongst States/UTs on labour reforms, employment generation, improving youth employability, reducing compliance burden and promoting ease of doing business, she urged the States/UTs to harmonize State-specific rules with Central Labour Codes. She also highlighted the need for establishing efficient systems for data capturing and announced the development of an index for ranking States/UTs in terms of employment generation and data collection to promote healthy collaboration amongst them. Underscoring the role of industry, trade unions and other stakeholders, she reiterated that all efforts need to be undertaken in a consultative manner.
States were requested to take a proactive stance in the much-needed two-way integration process to develop eShram portal as One-Stop-Solution. On completion of first 100 days, eShram portal has been successfully integrated with over ten government schemes like One Nation One Ration Card, PM Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U), MGNREGA, PM-Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), National Career Service Portal etc. leading towards development of eShram portal as One-Stop-Solution.
During the meeting, the expectations from States/ UTs were highlighted, which are as follows:
- Timely and regular submission of employment returns and job-fair details to Directorate General of Employment through the modules on the National Career Service portal.
- Time-bound two-way integration with the e-Shram portal;
- Employment data creation and adoption of a focused approach for creating quality jobs;
- Adopt a consultative and consensual approach to framing State reforms.
Key points for BoCW included expanding welfare coverage, ensuring audits, and integrating data with eShram to enhance registration and extend the coverage of Central Welfare schemes like PMJJBY/PMSBY/PMJAY/PMSYM to BOC workers. States/UTs were encouraged to increase cess collection and compliance with model welfare schemes.
On employment generation, modernization of Employment Exchanges, building partnerships with educational institutions, and industry collaboration were discussed. Improving ESIC services through optimal infrastructure utilization, forming State ESIC Societies, and streamlining fund flow were also emphasized.
Extensive interactive sessions were held between officers from the States/UTs and the Government of India on each issue. States’ concerns were discussed, queries were addressed, and suggestions for future actions were noted. Best practices from various States were also shared.
Mr. Kamal Kishore Soan Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, thanked State/UT officials for their participation and urged continued cooperation in implementing labour reform initiatives. He assured them of full support from the Government of India for these efforts.
