Enhancing Social Security for Unorganised Workers

The Labour and Employment Ministry is set to introduce measures aimed at improving social security coverage for over 380 million unorganised workers in India. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure ease of living for these workers.

Key Measures and Reforms

• Common Application Form:
  • A common application form will be introduced on the e-Shram portal.
  • This form will enable unorganised workers to access benefits from at least 12 social security schemes.
  • Expected to be ready within six months, making e-Shram a one-stop solution for social security benefits as envisaged in the Budget 2024-25.
• Targeted Enrolment:
  • Specific enrolment of gig and platform workers through a dedicated module on the e-Shram portal.
  • Building and construction workers will be brought on board for social security coverage.
• Platform Aggregators:
  • All platform aggregators have been advised to register themselves and their workers on the e-Shram portal for availing social security benefits.

Integration and Data Analysis

• Data Integration:
  • States and union territories are being assisted to integrate their data on building and construction workers (BoCW) with e-Shram for benefit analysis.
  • 10 states have completed this data integration, and 12 have agreements with state health agencies for extending Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Aarogya Yojana benefits.
• Platform Worker Module:
  • A module for verifying platform workers has been developed.

e-Shram Portal as a One-Stop Solution

• The e-Shram portal aims to verify workers' eligibility and ensure the saturation of schemes at state and district levels efficiently.
• A dozen schemes from various central ministries and departments have been integrated, including: 
  • PM-Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
  • PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY)
  • PM Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY)
  • PM Awas Yojana (PMAY)
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

‘CCI will Focus on Boosting Enforcement, Leveraging Tech for Fair Competition’

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is focused on enhancing fair competition within the nation by improving enforcement, fostering collaborations, and using technology strategically.

Key Focus Areas

• Enforcement Strengthening: The CCI aims to reinforce its enforcement mechanisms to better manage competition and curb anti-competitive practices.
• Collaborations Enhancement: By enhancing collaborations, CCI intends to foster a more cooperative environment for fair competition.
• Technological Leverage: Emphasizing the integration of technology to ensure a competitive market landscape.

Regulatory Approach

According to CCI's, there is a need for a nimble and proactive regulatory approach to address emerging market challenges, especially those driven by technology and innovation.

Recent Amendments and Initiatives

• Competition Act Amendments (2023): New mechanisms introduced, such as settlement, commitment, and deal value thresholds.
• Balance in Oversight: Striking a balance between effective oversight and a simplified regulatory regime is a priority.

Future Plans and Recruitment

• Hiring Domain Experts: Recruitment in fields like AI, data analytics, and digital markets to stay future-ready and tackle technological challenges.
• Market Studies: Conducting studies on competition issues related to artificial intelligence and renewable energy within BRICS nations.