TIFAC Introduces Saksham Job Portal to Enhance Employment and Promote Seaweed Cultivation in India

The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), part of the Department of Science and Technology, has introduced a job portal named "Saksham." This platform aims to align workers' skills with the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and also includes a mission for seaweed cultivation.

TIFAC stated that Saksham will streamline the process by removing intermediaries and labour contractors. It will also assess workers' skill levels and create skill cards for them. "This initiative will facilitate placement of 10 lakh blue-collar jobs (pan-India), directly connect shramiks with MSMEs eliminating middlemen/labour contractors, identification of skill proficiency level and development of skill cards for shramiks. This portal will reduce the hardship of shramiks in finding jobs in nearby MSMEs," according to the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The seaweed cultivation mission is another significant aspect of TIFAC's recent initiatives. The DST mentioned that cultivating seaweed over 10 million hectares, or 5% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone, could potentially create jobs for 50 million individuals. This effort aims to boost the economy through commercial seaweed farming and processing.

These initiatives were unveiled during TIFAC's 34th Foundation Day celebration. The job portal is expected to assist workers who had to return home due to the pandemic by providing them with employment opportunities in nearby MSMEs.

TIFAC plans to collaborate with other ministries to demonstrate a model for commercial seaweed farming. This model will focus on value addition through processing, thereby enhancing economic growth. The Saksham portal is designed to help labourers find work more easily by directly connecting them with MSMEs.

By eliminating middlemen, the Saksham portal aims to simplify job placement for blue-collar workers across India. It will also help in identifying skill levels and developing skill cards for workers, making it easier for them to find suitable employment.

The introduction of these initiatives marks a significant step towards improving employment opportunities in India. By focusing on both skill mapping and seaweed cultivation, TIFAC aims to address various challenges faced by workers and contribute to economic development.