Flexible workplaces, work-from-home ecosystem: PM Modi on future of workplaces in India

New Delhi, Aug 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Labour Ministry is working towards developing a vision for 2047, which includes flexible workplaces and work hours, work-from-home ecosystems, and working conditions conducive for women.

Addressing the National Conference of Labour Ministers of all States and Union Territories virtually, PM Modi emphasised that India's labour force has a huge role to play in realising India's dreams and aspirations to build a developed nation in the Amrit Kaal, and with this thinking, the country is working continuously for crores of workers from the organised and unorganised sector.

The Prime Minister reiterated the various efforts by the Government like Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana that have given a kind of security cover to the workers. These schemes have assured the labourers of the recognition of their hard work and contribution.

The Prime Minister also said, "The Emergency Credit Guarantee Scheme, according to a study, saved 1.5 crore jobs during the pandemic." He continued "We are seeing that just as the country supported its workers in their time of need, in the same way, the workers have put their full strength into recovering from this epidemic." The Prime Minister said that today India has once again become the fastest growing economy in the world, so a lot of credit goes to our workers, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the e-Shram portal is one of the key initiatives to bring the labour force into the ambit of social security. In just one year, about 28 crore workers from 400 areas have been registered on the portal. This has especially benefited construction workers, migrant labourers, and domestic workers.

He requested all the ministers to integrate state portals with the e-Shram portal.

He further added that in the last eight years, the Government has taken the initiative to abolish the laws from the period of slavery that reflect the slavery mentality. "The country is now changing, reforming, simplifying such labour laws.", the Prime Minister said.

"With this in mind, 29 labour laws have been converted into 4 simple labour codes". This will ensure the empowerment of workers via minimum wages, job security, social security, and health security, he added.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need to change as per the changing scenario. He emphasised the need to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution by taking quick decisions and implementing them rapidly.

In the light of platform and gig economy and online facilities, the Prime Minister stressed the need to be alive towards the emerging dimensions of work. "Right policies and efforts in this area will help in making India a global leader", he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the country's Labour Ministry is preparing its vision for the year 2047 in Amrit Kaal. Reiterating that the future needs flexible workplaces, a work-from-home ecosystem, and flexible work hours, the Prime Minister said that we can use systems like flexible workplaces as opportunities for women's labour force participation.

Recalling his address to the nation on the 15th of August from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that he has called for the full participation of the nation's women power. He added, "By making the right use of women power, India can achieve its goals faster."

The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to think in the direction of what can be done for women in the newly emerging sectors in the country.

The Prime Minister, while making everyone aware of the fact that our building and construction workers are an integral part of our workforce, requested everyone present on the occasion to make full use of the 'cess' that has been arranged for them. "I have been told that out of this cess, about Rs 38,000 crore has still not been utilized by the states", the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by assuring everyone that these collective efforts of ours will play an important role in revealing the true potential of the country.