New Initiatives for Unorganised Workers: e-Shram Microsites and Occupational Shortage Index Launched

Introduction

In a significant move to empower the unorganised workforce, the Government of India has launched two major digital initiatives — e-Shram Microsites and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI). These platforms aim to improve employment outcomes, streamline access to welfare schemes, and support better labour market planning. The initiatives were unveiled by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during a meeting with State and Union Territory Labour Ministers.

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1. e-Shram Microsites: Seamless Access to Welfare & Skilling

The e-Shram microsites are state-specific digital portals linked to the national e-Shram database. They serve as a single access point for unorganised workers to:

• 📄 Register for welfare schemes from both central and state governments
• 🔍 Search and apply for jobs and skilling programs
• 🌐 Navigate the platform in multiple Indian languages

🧑‍🔧 These microsites simplify the process of identification, registration, and access to benefits for workers across diverse sectors.

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2. Occupational Shortage Index (OSI): Addressing Skill Gaps

The Occupational Shortage Index is a data-driven tool designed to:

• 🔍 Identify labour market shortages
• 📊 Help job seekers align skills with high-demand occupations
• 🏭 Support policymakers and training institutions in planning workforce development

📈 Methodology:

• Based on International Labour Organization (ILO) standards
• Utilises quarterly data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

🎯 The OSI allows for better matching of supply and demand in the Indian labour market.

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Integration and Key Benefits

These platforms are designed for two-way integration with the national e-Shram database:

• 🔄 Real-time updates on job openings and welfare scheme status
• ⚙️ Ready-to-use infrastructure for States and UTs
• 📊 Includes analytical dashboards to support data-backed policy decisions

The tools are geared to streamline service delivery, reduce redundancy, and ensure targeted interventions for unorganised workers.

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Labour Code Implementation Progress

These initiatives align with ongoing reforms under India’s Four Labour Codes:

• Over 18 States and Union Territories have already drafted rules as of January 2025
• The government has set March 31, 2025 as the deadline for all States to complete pre-publication of harmonised rules

📘 These Labour Codes aim to enhance:

• 🛡️ Workers’ rights
• 🤝 Employer-employee relations
• 📈 Flexibility and inclusiveness in India’s labour ecosystem

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Conclusion

The launch of e-Shram Microsites and the Occupational Shortage Index marks a major step forward in building a tech-enabled, inclusive, and responsive labour system. By connecting unorganised workers to welfare schemes and market-aligned skilling, these initiatives hold the potential to transform India’s workforce landscape, making it more resilient and future-ready.