Ministry of Labour & Employment Unveils Shram Shakti Niti 2025 Draft

The Government of India released the draft National Labour and Employment Policy, known as Shram Shakti Niti, 2025. It aims to create a universal and portable social security system for all workers. The policy integrates several welfare schemes and promotes a future-ready, inclusive labour ecosystem. Public consultation on the draft is open until October 27, 2025.

Universal Social Security Integration

The policy proposes a single universal account combining Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, e-SHRAM, and State welfare Boards. This integration ensures portability and ease of access to social security benefits across sectors and states.

Occupational Safety and Health Reforms

Implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Code is a key feature. The policy mandates risk-based inspections and gender-sensitive safety standards. It aims to reduce workplace fatalities to near zero by adopting modern safety protocols and AI-enabled monitoring systems.

Labour Force Inclusion and Digital Compliance

A major goal is to increase female labour-force participation to 35% by 2030. The policy also targets a sharp reduction in informal employment through digital compliance. MSMEs will benefit from a single-window system with self-certification and simplified returns, easing regulatory burdens.

Skills Development and Employment Facilitation

The policy promotes convergence of various skill development schemes. It plans district-level Employment Facilitation Cells to support job seekers and youth entrepreneurship. Career guidance and skill-credit systems will help workers adapt to changing job markets.

Green Jobs and Just Transition

Creation of millions of green and decent jobs is a priority. The policy supports just-transition pathways for workers affected by shifts to sustainable industries. It encourages environmentally friendly employment aligned with India’s climate goals.

Phased Implementation and Monitoring

Implementation will occur in three phases. Phase I (2025–27) focuses on institutional setup and social security integration. Phase II (2027–30) will see nationwide rollout of universal accounts and skill systems. Phase III (post-2030) aims for paperless governance and predictive policy analytics. Progress will be tracked via real-time dashboards and an annual Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index.

Data Architecture and Inter-Ministerial Coordination

The policy establishes a unified national labour data architecture. This will ensure coherence among ministries and transparent monitoring of policy outcomes. AI-driven governance tools will enhance decision-making and policy renewal.