The e-Shram portal has undergone upgrade with the introduction of multilingual functionality. Launched by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, this enhancement aims to provide unorganised workers with easier access to government welfare schemes. The portal is now available in 22 Scheduled Languages, aligning with the Bhashini project. This initiative is important step towards ensuring comprehensive social protection for unorganised workers across India.
Background of e-Shram Portal
The e-Shram portal was initially launched to register unorganised workers. It serves as a one-stop solution for accessing various government schemes. The portal was previously available only in a few languages, limiting its accessibility. The recent upgrade aims to bridge this gap by including all 22 Scheduled Languages.
Features of the Multilingual Functionality
The multilingual feature allows users to navigate the portal in their preferred language. This enhancement is expected to increase user engagement and registration rates. The portal currently records over 30,000 registrations daily, indicating its growing trust among unorganised workers.
Integration with Government Schemes
The e-Shram portal facilitates access to twelve government schemes aimed at supporting the welfare of unorganised workers. The government plans to integrate more welfare schemes into the portal. This will provide a comprehensive range of services for users, enhancing their social security.
Future Initiatives
The Ministry of Labour & Employment is working on several initiatives to further improve the e-Shram portal. Upcoming features include the launch of a mobile app and a Single Common Application Form. These initiatives aim to streamline the registration process and simplify access to benefits.
Role of Mediators in Outreach
To enhance outreach, the government plans to engage mediators such as Common Service Centres and Bank Correspondents. These mediators will assist unorganised workers in navigating the portal and accessing available services. This approach aims to ensure that even those with limited digital literacy can benefit from the schemes.
Importance of Registration
Union Minister Mandaviya has urged all unorganised workers to register on the e-Shram portal. Registration is crucial for accessing various government schemes designed to support their livelihoods and well-being. It also ensures that workers are included in the social security net.
Significance of the Upgrade
The upgrade of the e-Shram portal marks milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing social security for unorganised workers. By making the portal multilingual, the government aims to improve accessibility and user experience, ensuring that more workers can benefit from welfare initiatives.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of digital platforms on the welfare of unorganised workers in India.
- Explain the significance of the Bhashini project in enhancing government service delivery.
- What are the challenges faced by unorganised workers in accessing social security schemes? Discuss with suitable examples.
- What is the role of technology in improving access to government schemes for marginalised communities? How can it be further enhanced?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of digital platforms on the welfare of unorganised workers in India.
- Digital platforms like e-Shram provide streamlined access to government welfare schemes, enhancing awareness among unorganised workers.
- Increased registration rates (over 30,000 daily) indicate growing trust and reliance on digital solutions for accessing benefits.
- Multilingual functionality improves accessibility for diverse linguistic groups, promoting inclusivity.
- However, digital literacy and access to technology remain barriers for some workers, limiting the platform’s reach.
- Continuous upgrades and outreach initiatives are essential to ensure maximum benefit and engagement from unorganised workers.
2. Explain the significance of the Bhashini project in enhancing government service delivery.
- The Bhashini project aims to make government services accessible in multiple languages, bridging communication gaps.
- It enhances user engagement by allowing individuals to interact with services in their preferred languages.
- By implementing this project, the government ensures inclusivity, especially for non-Hindi and non-English speakers.
- The project supports initiatives like the multilingual e-Shram portal, improving overall service delivery efficiency.
- It encourages trust in government services, encouraging more individuals to avail themselves of social welfare schemes.
3. What are the challenges faced by unorganised workers in accessing social security schemes? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Digital literacy is challenge; many unorganised workers lack the skills to navigate online platforms effectively.
- Limited access to technology and the internet restricts the ability of workers to register for schemes like e-Shram.
- Language barriers can hinder understanding of the schemes, even with multilingual platforms in place.
- Workers may face bureaucratic hurdles and lack of awareness about available benefits, leading to underutilization.
- Examples include construction workers who may not be aware of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) registration process.
4. What is the role of technology in improving access to government schemes for marginalised communities? How can it be further enhanced?
- Technology facilitates easier access to information and services, enabling marginalized communities to learn about their rights and benefits.
- Online platforms like e-Shram streamline the registration process, making it quicker and more efficient.
- Mobile applications can provide real-time updates and notifications about available schemes and deadlines.
- To enhance access, training programs on digital literacy should be implemented to empower users.
- Engaging local mediators can bridge the gap between technology and users, ensuring assistance for those with limited digital skills.
