In News:

e-Shram Portal, which aims to provide social security benefits to unorganised workers, has been upgraded with multilingual functionality for all 22 scheduled languages of India. This development, supported by the Bhashini Initiative, ensures that unorganised workers from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access the portal more easily and benefit from government welfare schemes.

About Bhashini Initiative:

• Launched in: July 2022
• Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Aim: To eliminate language barriers in accessing digital services by making AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools publicly available.

Key Features:

• Local Language Translation: Bhashini offers AI-powered translation services in 22 scheduled Indian languages to ensure that digital platforms like e-Shram are accessible to everyone in their native languages.
• Open AI and NLP Resources: These tools are made available to Indian MSMEs, startups, and innovators to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
• Crowdsourcing Platform (Bhashadaan): A platform for people to contribute to building linguistic datasets through initiatives like Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, and Dekho India, furthering language diversity in digital services.
• National Digital Public Platform: Aimed at providing universal access to digital content in all Indian languages, facilitating smoother communication across regions.

e-Shram Portal: A One-Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers

• Purpose: The e-Shram portal was created to provide unorganised workers with access to social security benefits and welfare schemes.

Recent Upgrade:

• Multilingual Functionality: The portal has now been upgraded to support 22 scheduled languages, making it more inclusive and user-friendly for workers who speak various regional languages.
• Previous Version: Previously, the portal was only available in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi. The integration of 22 languages is a significant improvement, enabling broader participation.

Importance of the e-Shram Portal for Unorganised Workers:

• Welfare Access: The portal provides access to government schemes designed for the welfare, livelihood, and well-being of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers and building and construction workers.
• Integration of Social Security Schemes:
  • As of now, the portal facilitates access to 12 government schemes, with plans to integrate even more, including state-level programs.
  • Future plans include launching a mobile app, a single application form, and the integration of payment gateways for faster disbursement of benefits.