PM Gati Shakti Initiative Enhances Social Security Measures and Expands Health Infrastructure (GS Paper 3, Economy)
Context
- In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has joined the PM Gati Shakti initiative, focusing on bolstering health infrastructure and social security measures in industrial areas and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
- Sumita Dawra, the ministry's secretary, highlighted the project's core objective of leveraging building data to enhance workers' social security within these burgeoning regions.
Initial Steps and Geotagging Initiatives
- The ministry kick-started the process by geotagging approximately 1.3 million buildings affiliated with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and 1.5 million buildings under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), including 104 ESIC hospitals.
- Geotagging serves as a pivotal initial step in assessing service coverage gaps and identifying areas already served.
Expanding Coverage in SEZs
- A strategic focus on exploring 268 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) through the Gati Shakti platform aims to extend social security program access to numerous workers in these zones.
- This expansion is poised to fortify the safety net for workers, ensuring broader coverage and benefits.
Integration with Other Schemes
- Future plans involve integrating additional programs into the PM Gati Shakti portal, with a particular emphasis on services catering to individuals with disabilities, such as the National Career Services centers.
- The expansion plan for these centers is geared towards aiding the most vulnerable demographics and remains inclusive to all.
Addressing Challenges for Pensioners
- Efforts to streamline the process for seniors in submitting their digital life certificates represent a tangible benefit of this initiative.
- By utilizing geotagging to locate pensioners, the ministry aims to generate concentration maps on the portal, facilitating targeted and improved healthcare services, especially by entities like the ESIC.
About the PM Gati Shakti Portal
- Launched by the Indian government, the PM Gati Shakti Portal stands as a transformative endeavor aimed at formulating a comprehensive blueprint for nationwide infrastructure development.
- This GIS-based platform consolidates planned and ongoing infrastructure projects across various sectors, including shipping, aviation, roads, and railways.
- The primary objective of the Gati Shakti Portal is to ensure coordinated project planning and execution, thereby mitigating implementation delays and fostering economic growth by facilitating seamless mobility of goods and people.
About Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- SEZs denote designated areas within a country characterized by distinct economic regulations compared to other regions.
- Established to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), foster export-driven growth, and generate employment opportunities, SEZs offer incentives like tax exemptions, reduced tariffs, and simplified regulatory procedures to businesses.
- These zones typically specialize in specific industries like manufacturing, technology, or finance, playing a pivotal role in enhancing international trade and industrial expansion.
- However, SEZs have faced criticism for displacing local populations and exacerbating economic inequality.
