Ministry of Labour & Employment
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs National Conference
with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States &
UTs in New Delhi
Union Minister Launches Occupational Shortage
Index (OSI) and State and Union Territory Microsites
under e-Shram
All 36 States/UTs Expected to Complete Pre-
publication of Harmonized Draft Rules in line with
Labour Codes by 31st March 2025
Discussions on Day 1 focused on Labour Reforms,
ESIC Medical Facilities and Healthcare Infrastructure
Reforms, Initiatives including the National Career
Service (NCS) portal and the Model Career Centres
(MCC)
Posted On: 29 JAN 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi
The two-day National level meeting with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs, held in
New Delhi, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour &
Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, commenced today. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble
Minister of State for Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with Hon’ble Labour Ministers from
various States/UTs, were present during the meetings. Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, set the context
for the deliberations.
Delivering his inaugural address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized on the need for undertaking labour reforms,
which are crucial for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He underscored that a fine balance
between workers’ welfare and industrial growth must remain at the core of all policy decisions. He urged all
States and UTs to participate in knowledge-sharing on reforms undertaken by them, in the spirit of
cooperative federalism, and their inputs will be transformed into a comprehensive action plan to take forward
the employment and labour reform agenda in India.
Spread over two days (29th & 30th January 2025), these meetings are focusing on laying the groundwork for
Labour Reforms, Social Security for Organized and Unorganized Workers including Gig and Platform
Workers and expanding ESIC medical and healthcare services. There is equal focus on interventions for
matching demand and supply in the labour market, promoting employment generation and employability
through National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Model Career Centres (MCC), etc.
Attended by Labour Ministers and senior officials from States/UTs, these meetings provide a platform for
showcasing the reforms undertaken by States in line with the labour codes and promote cross learnings and
knowledge sharing.
During day one, discussions were focused on (i) Labour Reforms; (ii) ESIC medical facilities and healthcare
infrastructure reforms; and (iii) Initiatives including the National Career Service (NCS) portal and the Model
Career Centres (MCC).
Labour Reforms
Several States have undertaken reforms in line with labour codes under the existing Acts. These reforms are
aimed at promoting greater ease of doing business, reduction in compliance burden, decriminalisation,
promoting women participation in the workforce, and other employment and labour related interventions,
leading to a friendlier ecosystem of labour regulations. Such interventions promote both employment
generation and labour welfare, leading us on the path of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
It was noted that over eighteen States/UTs have already implemented majority of the reforms and more than
32 States/UTs have pre-published the draft rules under the four Labour Codes, while the remaining
States/UTs have made satisfactory progress, during the year. All 36 States/UTs expected to complete pre-
publication of harmonized draft rules in line with the labour codes, by 31st March 2025.
ESIC Medical Facilities and Healthcare Infrastructure Reforms
Focussed discussions on (i) convergence of ESIC with PM-ABJAY; (ii) utilization of State Primary Health
Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) for Primary/Secondary Medical Care; (iii) formation
of State ESI Society; (iv) implementation of Dhanwantari Module in ESIS hospitals/ dispensaries and (v)
designating Medical Colleges and Charity Hospitals as ESIC hospitals, was also one of the key highlights of
the day.
Leveraging the existing healthcare infrastructure including PM-ABJAY hospitals, PHCs / CHCs with
upgradation of necessary medical facilities was emphasized to provide comprehensive benefits, especially in
the underserved areas.
Promoting Employability and Employment Generation
On day one, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports
launched two significant initiatives – Occupational Shortage Index (OSI) and State and Union Territory
Microsites under the e-Shram initiative. The OSI is a landmark initiative aimed at matching labour market
demand and supply and enhancing employment outcomes across India. The eShram microsites would
facilitate two-way integration and provide a one-stop-solution to unorganized workers for seamless access of
social security and welfare, employment opportunities, skilling programmes, etc.
During the session, States’ role in promoting the usage of National Career Service (NCS) portal and Model
Career Centre (MCC) facilities was presented. States were urged to complete digitization of employment
portals and integration with NCS on priority so that job seekers can widely gain from the one-stop solution for
career-related services and physical hubs for career counseling and employment facilitation.
Several useful insights and suggestions were shared by participants during day one. The Ministry in
collaboration with States/UTs is compiling a comprehensive action plan to implement reforms in a focused
manner.
The day concluded with vibrant cultural programme showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.
*****
Himanshu Pathak
(Release ID: 2097446)
