Labour Ministry to Submit Cabinet Note on Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes for Job Creation

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that a Cabinet note on the employment-linked incentive (ELI) scheme will soon be presented for approval. This scheme, highlighted in the Union Budget 2024-25, aims to generate over 2 crore jobs within two years. It is part of a broader initiative to boost employment and improve livelihoods across India.

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The ELI Scheme is one of three employment-linked initiatives introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25. These schemes are designed to provide opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over five years, with a central allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. The schemes will be linked to enrolment in the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

e-Shram Portal and Social Security

Mandaviya noted the e-Shram portal's success, having registered over 30 crore unorganised workers by August 31, 2024. This platform aims to streamline access to social security schemes for unorganised labourers through a single interface. Future integrations with other schemes like PM Matru Vandana Yojana and Shramik Suraksha Yojana are planned.

The e-Shram portal will identify workers who have not yet benefited from various schemes, ensuring targeted assistance based on eligibility. A module for platform workers has been developed to verify their registration through aggregators, with successful testing completed. This will aid in formulating specific schemes for platform workers.

National Career Service Portal Enhancements

The National Career Service (NCS) portal is undergoing upgrades to offer a more user-friendly experience for job seekers and employers. These enhancements aim to improve efficiency and accessibility, facilitating better job matching and career services across the country.

Additionally, the Central Board of Trustees of EPFO has approved a Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS). From January 1, 2025, EPS pensioners can receive pensions from any bank branch nationwide. This move is expected to simplify pension disbursement and enhance convenience for pensioners.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier announced these employment-linked schemes in the Union Budget. The focus is on leveraging EPFO enrolment to drive employment growth. The ministry is committed to ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.

The minister emphasised the need for a robust mechanism to ensure that the ELI Scheme's benefits reach those who need them most. As part of the Modi 3.0 government's first 100 days report card, Mandaviya highlighted these efforts as crucial steps towards enhancing employment opportunities in India.

These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to addressing unemployment and supporting economic growth through targeted interventions. By focusing on both organised and unorganised sectors, these schemes aim to create a more inclusive workforce environment across India.