The Government of India has initiated the ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ to streamline access for unorganised workers to various government schemes. Launched on 21 October 2024 by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, this initiative aligns with the recent budgetary announcements aimed at enhancing social security for unorganised labour. With over 30 crore workers already enrolled since its inception in August 2021, the eShram platform has become decisive in connecting this demographic with essential welfare programmes.
The Unorganised Worker Landscape
Unorganised workers constitute an important portion of India’s workforce, often lacking job security and access to social benefits. They include daily wage labourers, street vendors, and domestic workers, among others. Approximately 94% of India’s workforce is in the unorganised sector, denoting the critical need for targeted welfare measures. Historically, this group has faced challenges in accessing government schemes, often due to a lack of awareness and bureaucratic hurdles.
Objectives of eShram-One Stop Solution
The primary aim of the eShram-One Stop Solution is to provide a comprehensive platform that consolidates information about various welfare schemes. This initiative seeks to: – Enhance awareness among unorganised workers regarding available government schemes. – Facilitate smoother identification and implementation of social security measures. – Improve the saturation of welfare schemes across the target demographic. The integration of 12 different schemes from various ministries into the eShram platform is an important step towards achieving these objectives.
Features of the eShram Platform
The eShram platform serves as a digital repository where workers can find information about different social security and welfare initiatives. Key features include: – A user-friendly interface that allows workers to easily navigate through various schemes. – Real-time updates on new initiatives and changes in existing schemes. – A mechanism for workers to register complaints or seek assistance regarding their entitlements. Additionally, the platform employs data analytics to identify gaps in scheme implementation and to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Significance of Integration
Integrating multiple schemes under a single platform addresses the fragmentation often experienced by unorganised workers. By mapping 12 central schemes, the eShram initiative ensures that workers can access a variety of benefits without having to navigate through multiple bureaucratic channels. This holistic approach not only simplifies the process for workers but also enhances the government’s ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these schemes.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promising framework, the eShram-One Stop Solution faces several challenges: – Digital Literacy: A portion of unorganised workers may lack the digital skills required to navigate the platform effectively. – Outreach: Ensuring that the initiative reaches the most marginalised workers remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where internet access may be limited. – Data Privacy: As the platform collects sensitive information, safeguarding the data of workers is paramount to maintain trust and compliance.
Future Prospects
The eShram-One Stop Solution is poised to evolve, with plans for further integration of additional schemes and features. Future enhancements may include mobile applications tailored for low-bandwidth environments and partnerships with local NGOs to facilitate outreach and training. As the government continues to refine the platform, the potential for improving the livelihoods of unorganised workers in India is substantial. By addressing both the immediate needs and long-term aspirations of this demographic, the eShram initiative could serve as a model for similar efforts in other countries facing comparable challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the eShram-One Stop Solution for unorganised workers in India.
- What challenges does the eShram platform face in terms of digital literacy and outreach?
- Evaluate the impact of integrating multiple government schemes into a single platform on the welfare of unorganised workers.
- How can the government ensure data privacy and security on the eShram platform?
- What role do local NGOs play in enhancing the effectiveness of the eShram initiative?
