Govt Launches Inter-Ministerial Plan to Increase Women in Workforce

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 31 January 2024

An inter-ministerial initiative has been started by the Union government to encourage more women to enter the workforce on Tuesday. A guideline for companies to enforce legislative rules and encourage equitable participation in the workplace has also been produced by the government, emphasizing the need for national minimum standards and protocols for childcare facilities that are creches. The cooperative initiative is being implemented amid worries over women's low labor force participation, which stands at 35.9 per cent. Through several programs for skill development and education, the administration of Narendra Modi has been advocating for women's employment.

The Labor Ministry and the Women & Child Development Ministry jointly organized an event titled "Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat". The labor ministry developed an advisory handbook mentioning that the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows that women's participation in the workforce increased from 22 per cent in 2017–18 to 35.9 per cent in 2022–2023. The advisory stated, "Even though women's employment participation has increased recently, there is ample scope for further improvement that can be addressed through effective implementation of existing policies by employers."

The advisory also emphasizes the strict implementation of The Maternity Benefit Act, of 1961, which was amended in 2017, and calls for employers to provide paid maternity leave. WCD minister Smriti Irani announced a revolutionary policy mandating 26 weeks of maternity leave for female construction workers, ensuring employers actively consider such facilities.

The advisory further emphasizes the importance of employers proactively implementing policies and programs to encourage women's participation in the workforce, including providing safe and supportive environments during night shifts.

Union Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav also mentioned women-led development as the most effective way to empower women, under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, providing easy access to markets and global value chains.

The Housing and Road Transport Ministries have also issued advisories promoting women's workforce participation and safety in the building, construction, and highways sectors.