The recent integration of 12 central government schemes into the eShram portal marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to support its vast unorganised workforce. This initiative, branded as the ‘eShram-One Stop Solution,’ aims to streamline access to welfare schemes for unorganised workers, who constitute a substantial portion of the country’s labour force.
One of the primary benefits of integrating multiple schemes into a single platform is the ease of access it provides. Unorganised workers, often scattered across various sectors and regions, face significant challenges in accessing government benefits due to a lack of awareness and bureaucratic hurdles. The eShram portal, by consolidating these schemes, ensures that workers can access information and apply for benefits from a single, user-friendly interface. This not only simplifies the process but also increases the likelihood of workers receiving the benefits they are entitled to.
The integration of schemes into the eShram portal reduces the bureaucratic red tape that often hinders the effective delivery of welfare benefits. By centralizing the application and verification processes, the portal minimizes the need for workers to navigate multiple government departments. This streamlining is particularly beneficial for unorganised workers, who may lack the time, resources, or literacy to deal with complex administrative procedures. The portal’s design, which includes services in regional languages and outreach programs, further ensures that it is accessible to a diverse user base.
The eShram portal’s integration of various schemes provides a more holistic approach to social security for unorganised workers. These schemes cover a wide range of benefits, including health insurance, pension plans, and financial assistance during emergencies. By bringing these under one umbrella, the government can ensure that workers receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs. This holistic coverage is crucial in providing a safety net for workers who often lack formal employment contracts and job security.
Another significant advantage of the eShram portal is its potential to generate valuable data on the unorganised workforce. With over 30 crore workers already registered, the portal can provide insights into the demographics, employment patterns, and needs of this sector. This data is invaluable for policymakers, enabling them to design more targeted and effective welfare programs. Moreover, it can help in monitoring the implementation of schemes and identifying areas where additional support is needed.
Ultimately, the eShram portal represents a step towards greater empowerment and inclusion of unorganised workers in India’s economic and social fabric. By ensuring that these workers have easier access to welfare benefits, the government is acknowledging their contributions and addressing their vulnerabilities. This initiative not only improves the immediate well-being of workers but also contributes to their long-term socio-economic development.