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Context: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has undertaken various initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the welfare and empowerment of workers across the country.

Key Initiatives

eShram Portal

• Created to provide a database for unorganized workers.
• Over 29.23 crore unorganized workers have been registered on this platform. It has been integrated with multiple other platforms to share data and coordinate efforts. Additionally, initiatives like Ex-Gratia modules have been introduced to provide benefits to workers in case of accidents resulting in death or disability.

National Career Service (NCS)

• To transform the National Employment Service into an online platform offering various employment-related services.
• More than 3.64 crore job seekers, 19.15 Lakh employers, and 1.92 crore vacancies have been registered since its inception. Advanced integration with state and private portals is ongoing, and an enhanced version, NCS 2.0, is set to launch, leveraging AI and machine learning for better job matching.

Atmanirbhar Bharat RozgarYojana (ABRY)

• A scheme aimed at boosting employment generation and minimizing the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Over Rs. 10,043.02 Crore has been distributed to 60.48 lakh beneficiaries through a substantial number of establishments.

Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

• To provide social security to workers.
• Coverage has been expanded to 611 districts, providing security to over 3.72 crore insured persons and more than 12 crore beneficiaries. Additional services like Chemotherapy in hospitals, advanced medical infrastructure, preventive health initiatives, and emergency services have been introduced.

Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

• Key reforms introduced for beneficiary ease, including transparent inspection systems, e-Passbook, reduction in administrative charges, and simplified monthly electronic returns. The EPFO has also credited 8.15% interest in over 24 crore accounts and conducted outreach programs across districts. 

India G20 Presidency

• Successful meetings and the adoption of essential outcome documents addressing critical issues like skill gaps, social protection, and sustainable financing during the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting and the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Handbook on Convergence

• Focuses on collaboration among various organizations under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• The handbook contains Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for achieving convergence at the field level, facilitating information exchange, grievance redressal, and raising awareness about available services.

Audit and Compliance

• Efforts have been made to settle outstanding audit inspection paras, review past data, and provide comprehensive replies. Workshops were organized to resolve these issues in the Main Secretariat and field units.

Conclusion

• These initiatives collectively aim to improve job opportunities, social security, and administrative efficiency, ensuring the welfare and empowerment of workers across India.

Must Read Articles:

E-SHRAM PORTAL: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/e-shram-portal-34

NCS PORTAL: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ncs-portal#:~:text=NCS%20is%20a%20one%2Dstop,providing%20training%20and%20career%20counseling.

Atmanirbhar Bharat RozgarYojana (ABRY): https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/aatmanirbhar-bharat-rojgar-yojana-abry-1

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How has the Ministry of Labour and Employment contributed to worker welfare and empowerment through policy reforms, training programs, and support systems?