Matribhumi Samachar English
Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. Of India, chaired an Interactive Session with Industry on Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme recently launched in Union Budget 2024-25 that was organized by Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India in collaboration with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation on 13th September, 2024 in Hyderabad. The interactive session was attended by official representatives from Union Labour Ministry, EPFO, Industry Leaders from sectors like Pharma, Construction, PSU, Manufacturing, Finance, etc. and MSME Representatives.
The session aimed at creating awareness about three schemes framed as part of ELI Scheme and its benefit to employers and employees in order to boost employment in manufacturing and job creation in formal sectors. The ELI Scheme aims to create more than 2 crore jobs in the country over a period of 2 years in sectors that significantly contribute in increasing employment opportunities and enhancing livelihood.
Setting the context of the session, the Secretary emphasized about drivers of employment as evidenced by growth in employment in sectors such as Trade, Manufacturing, Services and Construction sectors. Government data such as PLFS, KLEMS shows employment growth and at the same time, quality of employment is of equal focus. Gig and Platform work and Global Competency Centres (GCCs) have emerged as new areas of employment as well. Secretary further highlighted the need to generate new employment including by MSMEs that should scale up to generate employment as well.
A brief presentation on ELI scheme including the PM’s package of 5 schemes on employment, skilling and internships was followed by interactive session. Several constructive suggestions were received from industry participants for formulation of feasible practical scheme.
In her closing remarks, Secretary highlighted that this Scheme represents a significant step toward shared goal of creating more prosperous and inclusive India. For it to truly succeed, it requires the collective efforts and wisdom of all stakeholders including learnings from previous such schemes. She further stated that such interactive sessions shall continue to be held in future in the course of finalization of the ELI Scheme before it is implemented.
