Key Highlights
- MoU signed between Ministry of Labour & Employment and Zepto to create 10,000 new urban jobs.
- NCS portal will be utilized to streamline employment services and guide career choices.
- Initiative concentrates on youth, women, and first‑time job seekers.
- Program will formalise gig workers via e‑Shram integration and extend social security coverage.
- Pre‑existing NCS network includes over 52 lakh employers and nearly 7.5 crore vacant positions.
Detailed Insights
The National Career Service (NCS) portal, launched on 20 July 2015 by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, offers employment matchmaking, career guidance, vocational training, job fairs and grievance redressal. It hosts a vast employer database and has mobilised almost 7.5 crore vacancies since its inception.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Zepto commits to posting ten thousand urban job postings throughout the term of the agreement. These listings aim to provide predictable, structured employment in the expanding gig and platform economy.
Beyond job creation, the partnership seeks to elevate youth employability by formalising gig workers, integrating them with the e‑Shram portal, granting access to social security schemes, and offering upskilling and training pathways.
To close the informal‑formal employment divide, the collaboration will connect gig workers and platform employees to the national unorganised workers database via e‑Shram, enabling coverage under government‑backed insurance, healthcare, and financial inclusion programmes.
Key Concepts
NCS Portal: A government‑driven digital platform that matches job seekers with verified employers and provides career services.
e‑Shram: A national registry for unorganised workers, facilitating registration, labour rights enforcement, and access to social protections.
Gig Economy: A labour market characterised by short‑term, flexible work engagements often mediated by digital platforms.
Social Security Scheme: Government programmes that supply insurance, healthcare, and financial safety nets to workers.