Year-End Review 2024: Ministry of Labour and Employment Achievements and Initiatives to Empower Workers.
New Delhi:
In a series of impactful developments throughout 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has rolled out several key initiatives aimed at enhancing welfare for unorganised workers, improving employment services, and strengthening social security frameworks across the country.
e-Shram Platform Gains Momentum.
e-Shram, launched as a “One-Stop Solution” for unorganised workers, has crossed a significant milestone, with over 30 crore registrations as of December 2024. The platform integrates 12 welfare schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, providing workers access to vital benefits. Efforts are ongoing to expand the platform and integrate additional schemes, benefiting millions across the country.
PM Inaugurates Key ESIC Projects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for 28 crucial projects worth Rs. 3,921 crore under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). These initiatives include the establishment of new ESIC medical colleges and expansions in medical infrastructure, particularly in the North-East, to improve access to healthcare for workers.
National Career Service Portal Hits Milestones.
The National Career Service (NCS) portal has proven essential for connecting job seekers with opportunities. In 2024, it mobilized 3.89 crore vacancies, supported 8,263 job fairs, and registered over 17 lakh employers. Its integration with 30 states’ employment portals and various private job sites has further broadened its reach, helping millions find jobs and skill development opportunities.
EPFO Enhances Service Delivery.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made substantial strides in simplifying pension and withdrawal processes. Key initiatives include the rollout of a Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS), which will allow pensioners to access payments from any bank across the country, and the introduction of the EPFO Amnesty Scheme 2024 to encourage compliance.
Labour Codes Progress.
The Ministry has been working on the implementation of the Labour Codes, with six regional meetings held in 2024 to facilitate rule harmonization across states. The goal is to simplify and streamline labour laws to reduce compliance burdens and enhance Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
Social Security for Gig and Platform Workers.
The Ministry is actively developing a framework for extending social security benefits to gig and platform workers. Extensive consultations have been held to assess the needs of this growing workforce, with the ILO and other stakeholders contributing to the development of targeted welfare strategies.
International Collaboration and Global Impact.
India’s engagement with international organizations has strengthened, with key initiatives like the ILO’s World Social Protection Report showcasing India’s success in expanding social protection coverage. Additionally, the Ministry has collaborated with countries like Germany and Poland to enhance labour mobility and social security frameworks.
Employment Linked Incentive Scheme.
In the Union Budget 2024-25, the government introduced the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, designed to promote job creation, formalization of employment, and improved employability. The scheme is expected to benefit millions of young workers by reimbursing EPFO contributions for new jobs in manufacturing and other sectors.
These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving workers’ lives through innovative solutions, better access to social security, and a more inclusive labour market.
