Labour ministry to launch revamped Shram Suvidha portal by year-end

The portal will leverage AI and machine learning to facilitate ease of doing business

The labour ministry is set to launch a revamped, user-friendly version of the Shram Suvidha portal by the end of the year to aid in improving the ease of doing business.

The upgraded portal will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to make it easier for businesses to file all kinds of registrations and submit returns that are required under different labour laws, people aware of the matter told Business Standard.

“We are in the process of revamping the portal to make it much easier for businesses to use and also help us in enforcing the laws. The idea is to leverage data and help businesses in complying with the different provisions of the laws so that they can better utilise their resources. We will be coming out with single and user-friendly forms,” said a person privy to the development.

The Shram Suvidha portal was launched in October 2014 to consolidate information on labour inspection and its enforcement, leading to transparency and accountability in inspections.

The portal provides a platform for sharing of information among the four labour enforcement agencies - Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), thus facilitating effective enforcement of labour laws on wage, job and social security for workers. 

“The new labour codes have provision for single returns, single licence, single registration form. So, whenever the new codes kick in, it's important that we have the necessary infrastructure to implement the provisions and help businesses in compliance,” the person said.

The ministry is also working to upgrade the Samadhan portal used to resolve the grievances of workers, trade unions and management on issues under labour laws like illegal termination, delayed payments, unauthorised deduction, minimum wage, and overtime allowance, among others. 

The Samadhan portal was launched in September 2020 and, according to government data, nearly 63,000 complaints have been filed till June 2024, out of which 45,600 complaints have been disposed of. 

“In the new version, there will be provisions for sending out alerts to workers whether they are receiving timely wages, bonus amounts and other social security benefits. This will let workers better know of their rights and will help them in filing complaints in case there are violations,” the person said. 

Earlier in July, while presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that as part of labour-related reforms, the two portals will be revamped.

“Shram Suvidha and Samadhan portals will be revamped to enhance ease of compliance for industry and trade,” she had said.