India’s Draft Labour Policy: A Step Towards Inclusive Workforce and Enhanced Social Security

The Indian government’s recent release of the draft National Labour and Employment Policy, Shram Shakti Niti 2025, marks a significant stride towards creating a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. This policy emphasizes women’s participation, universal social security, and the modernization of labor regulations to align with the nation’s aspirations for 2047.

Key Highlights of Shram Shakti Niti 2025

The draft policy introduces several pivotal reforms aimed at transforming India’s labor landscape:

• Women’s Workforce Participation: The policy sets an ambitious target to increase female labor force participation to 35% by 2030. Strategies include ensuring safer workplaces, implementing gender-responsive labor standards, and offering flexible working options Outlook Business.
• Universal Social Security: Aimed at providing comprehensive social security coverage, the policy seeks to extend benefits to all workers, including those in the gig and platform sectors. This initiative is designed to ensure that social security is universal and portable across jobs and geographies The Times of India.
• Technology-Driven Governance: The policy envisions the Ministry of Labour and Employment as an “Employment Facilitator,” leveraging technology to streamline compliance procedures and enhance service delivery. The National Career Service platform is highlighted as a key tool for transparent and inclusive job matching, credential verification, and skill alignment Press Information Bureau.
• Youth and Informal Sector Empowerment: Recognizing the growing significance of gig and platform work, the policy emphasizes the need to upskill youth and informal sector workers to meet the demands of emerging industries, particularly in green energy, digital technology, and sustainable manufacturing Organiser.

Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

The government has opened the draft policy for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders, institutions, and the general public. This inclusive approach aims to gather diverse perspectives to refine and enhance the policy before its finalization. Feedback can be submitted until October 27, 2025, through the designated channels provided by the Ministry of Labour and Employment Press Information Bureau.

Conclusion

Shram Shakti Niti 2025 represents a comprehensive effort to modernize India’s labor framework, focusing on inclusivity, social security, and technological integration. By addressing the needs of women, youth, and informal sector workers, the policy aims to create a balanced and sustainable labor ecosystem. As the nation progresses towards its vision of a developed India by 2047, the successful implementation of this policy could play a crucial role in shaping a fair and equitable workforce for all.