Public consultation open for draft National Labour & Employment Policy – Shram Shakti Niti 2025

Introduction:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has released the draft of the National Labour & Employment Policy – Shram Shakti Niti 2025, inviting public feedback until October 27, 2025. The policy is designed to modernize India’s labour ecosystem, ensuring dignity, protection, and opportunity for all workers, and aligns with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Universal Social Security and Worker Protection

A key focus of the draft policy is the establishment of a Universal Social Security Account, integrating EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, and e-Shram to provide portable and lifelong protection for workers across sectors. The policy also emphasizes the development of the National Career Service (NCS) as India’s Employment Digital Public Infrastructure, offering AI-driven job matching, credential verification, and career guidance, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

The policy sets ambitious targets for women and youth empowerment, including achieving 35% female workforce participation by 2030, promoting flexible work models, childcare support, entrepreneurship opportunities, and vocational pathways for young jobseekers. It also aims to simplify compliance and encourage formalization through a single-window digital compliance portal with risk-based self-certification, reducing administrative burdens and fostering trust-based governance.

Integrating Technology and Sustainability

Technology and sustainability are central to the draft policy, with initiatives to promote AI-enabled workplace safety systems, digital upskilling, and the creation of green jobs in line with India’s climate goals. A three-tier institutional structure comprising National, State, and District Labour Missions will oversee implementation, with data-driven dashboards and a Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index (LEPEI) to monitor progress annually.

Three-Tier Implementation and Evaluation Framework

The policy envisions phased implementation from 2025 to 2047. Phase I (2025–27) focuses on institutional setup, digital pilots, and social security integration. Phase II (2027–30) will expand Universal Social Security rollout and AI-based job matching. Phase III (beyond 2030) aims for full digital convergence and predictive labour governance, establishing a comprehensive, future-ready framework.

Public Consultation and Call for Feedback

Stakeholders, institutions, and members of the public are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions by October 27, 2025. This consultation offers a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping a fair, inclusive, and technology-driven labour ecosystem in India.