The Government has notified the National Manufacturing Policy vide Press Note dated 4^th November, 2011 with the objective of enhancing the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent and creating 100 million jobs over a decade or so. The implementation of the Policy is a long term process. The Government has taken up the implementation of the policy in right earnest.

Reliable estimates of employment and unemployment are obtained through labour force surveys conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSS), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. According to the surveys, the overall employment has increased as follows:

 (in million persons)

Labour legislation is a concurrent subject where both central and state governments enact legislations. 44 central labour acts provide a framework of working conditions that facilitates management to take work from workers and for maintaining harmonious industrial relations for the benefit of both industry and workers. These labour laws also protect workers in various sectors from exploitation and provide measures for their social security and welfare. Labour laws are reviewed from time to time to align them with the needs of the economy.

Skill development is key to improve labour market outcomes of the youth.   Considerable emphasis is being laid by India on evolving pragmatic strategies to upgrade and enhance the relevant skill training and to improve access to skills for workers as a means to move to a cycle of higher productivity, higher employability, higher income levels, and faster and sustainable economic growth. National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) has been notified on 6^th June, 2013 to coordinate and harmonise the skill development efforts for the Government and the private sector.   Government has set a target of skilling 5 crore people during the 12^th Plan period.

This information was given by Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri  Kodikunnil Suresh in the Lok  Sabha today in reply to a written question.

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