Mandaviya Advocates for Comprehensive Welfare Schemes to Benefit Every Worker in India

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently emphasised the need for ongoing cooperation among stakeholders to ensure welfare schemes benefit every worker nationwide. At the National Conference of Labour & Employment and Industry Ministers and Secretaries of states/UTs, he highlighted the government's commitment to citizen-focused policies, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusive development.

Mandaviya underscored the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), which aims to generate 3.5 crore jobs with an investment of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore. He urged states to align their employment initiatives with this national mission for maximum impact. The conference aimed to transform decisions from a previous meeting in January 2025 into tangible outcomes.

Focus on Implementation and Collaboration

The minister called for active collaboration from states to ensure the success of PMVBRY, which aims to formalise employment and enhance social security. Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted India's progress in reducing poverty and expanding social security coverage. She encouraged states to lead outreach efforts and utilise digital platforms like e-Shram and National Career Services (NCS) to ensure no worker is left behind.

Union Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani stressed that the conference serves as a crucial platform for building national partnerships and translating discussions into action. She urged states to share innovative ideas on implementing PMVBRY and discussed the draft National Labour & Employment Policy and the Private Placement Agency Bill, emphasising strong implementation as key to achieving a developed India.

Innovative Initiatives for Worker Welfare

The conference featured presentations on critical agendas, including a detailed overview of PMVBRY's vision and structure. The scheme incentivises additional employment in the formal sector through EPFO enrolment. Discussions also covered the draft Shram Shakti Niti National Labour & Employment Policy, aimed at creating an inclusive ecosystem for workers, accelerating India's journey towards a developed nation by 2047.

During the conference, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched two digital initiatives: the Digital Labour Chowk mobile app and the Online BoCW Cess Collection Portal. These initiatives aim to transform welfare for India's construction workers through digital and physical means.

Strengthening Cooperative Federalism

The two-day conference marked a significant step in cooperative federalism, aiming to accelerate key labour policies, decent employment generation, and social security initiatives. The event showcased a transformative vision for worker welfare in India, aligning with the broader goal of achieving a developed nation status by 2047.

The conference concluded with a focus on turning discussions into concrete actions that benefit workers across India. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and leveraging digital platforms, the government aims to ensure that welfare schemes reach every worker, contributing to India's development journey.

With inputs from PTI