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Government Promotes Re-employment of Senior Citizens via National Career Service Portal

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy

Social JusticeEconomy

Why in news

The government reiterated its commitment to promoting active ageing and enhancing employment opportunities for senior citizens through the National Career Service (NCS) portal. This comes in response to the India Ageing Report 2023 by UNFPA-India, which projects a significant increase in the elderly population. The NCS portal has seen substantial registrations and vacancies for senior citizens.

Background

The NCS portal was launched in 2015 to connect job seekers with employers. Under the project, 407 Model Career Centres (MCCs) have been approved in collaboration with states and institutions to provide employment services including job fairs, career counselling, and training.

Key facts

in5points

  1. India's elderly population (60+) is projected to rise from 10.4% in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050 and 36% by the end of the century (UNFPA-India Ageing Report 2023).

  2. Over 1.89 lakh senior citizens (60+) have registered as job seekers on the NCS portal.

  3. Currently, 1.68 lakh vacancies suitable for senior citizens are available on the NCS portal.

  4. Since 2015, over 6.46 crore job seekers and 58.76 lakh employers have registered on the NCS portal.

  5. More than 2.29 crore job seekers, including senior citizens, have been shortlisted by employers through the portal.

  6. The government has approved 407 Model Career Centres (MCCs) under the NCS project.

  7. The NCS portal is evolving with AI-driven services to strengthen the modern employment service framework.

  8. The report emphasizes policies ensuring livelihood opportunities and systematic re-employment pathways for the elderly, especially in the unorganised sector.

Prelims pointers

  • National Career Service (NCS) portal launched in 2015.
  • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees the initiative.
  • UNFPA-India Ageing Report 2023 projects elderly population trends.
  • Model Career Centres (MCCs) – 407 approved.
  • Senior citizen age threshold: 60 years and above.
  • NCS portal features: AI-driven services, job fairs, career counselling, training.

Mains angles

  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities of India's ageing population in the context of employment and social security.
  • Critically examine the role of government portals like NCS in promoting re-employment of senior citizens.
  • Analyse the need for policies to ensure livelihood security for the elderly, especially in the unorganised sector.