October 2024

Dr Mandaviya emphasised the necessity of ensuring that all unorganised workers take advantage of this platform, encouraging them to “register on the eShram portal and benefit from the wide range of social security schemes designed to improve their livelihoods and ensure their well-being.” This clear call to action is intended to further expand the reach of the platform, ensuring that more workers are included in the welfare net.

The long-term goal is to ensure that unorganised workers, who are the backbone of the economy, receive the social security they deserve, thus improving their financial stability, health, and overall quality of life.

Integration Of State And Central Government Schemes

One of the key features of the eShram – One Stop Solution is the integration of both central and state government welfare schemes into a single repository. This approach, as mentioned by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, is crucial for ensuring “last-mile connectivity” and expanding the platform’s reach to the most vulnerable and left-out workers across the country. By aligning state government systems with the eShram portal, the initiative allows for a State/District-wise identification of potential beneficiaries, ensuring that no eligible worker is missed.

This integration is in line with the government’s whole-of-government approach, where multiple ministries and departments work together to streamline access to welfare benefits. Over the first 100 days following the launch of the new government, several meetings were held to ensure the smooth integration of welfare schemes across central ministries and departments.

According to Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the platform will continue to evolve, with more schemes being onboarded in the future to provide workers with “seamless access to various government schemes.” This comprehensive approach ensures that the platform remains a central hub for the welfare of unorganised workers, addressing their diverse needs and offering a wide range of benefits under one system.

The Importance Of Verified Hiring From The Unorganised Sector

While the eShram – One Stop Solution plays an important role in providing welfare access, it also serves as a foundation for secure and verified hiring practices for the unorganised workforce sector. With the rise of the gig economy and an expanding unorganised workforce, businesses need to ensure that they are hiring individuals who are not only registered but also properly vetted.

According to our Annual Trend Report FY’24, there has been a 12.5% increase in discrepancy rates for gig worker verifications between FY 2021 and 2024. This shows a growing challenge for employers who rely on informal and gig workers. This include ride-hailing companies, food delivery platforms and more. These discrepancies can lead to significant risks, such as hiring unverified workers who may not have the required credentials or may present fraudulent documents.