The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health and promote gender-inclusive labor laws to foster a more equitable and sustainable workforce.
Mental Health Prioritization Key Issues:
1. Rising Mental Health Concerns: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues, with increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
2. Limited Access to Mental Health Services: India’s mental health infrastructure is inadequate, with a shortage of mental health professionals and limited access to services.
Proposed Reforms:
1. Integrate Mental Health into Primary Healthcare: Incorporate mental health services into primary healthcare facilities to increase accessibility.
2. Increase Mental Health Workforce: Train and deploy more mental health professionals to address the shortage.
3. Promote Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Encourage employers to implement EAPs to support employees’ mental health.
Gender-Inclusive Labour Laws Key Issues:
1. Gender-Based Discrimination: Women face significant barriers in the workforce, including unequal pay, limited job opportunities, and inadequate social security.
2. Limited Representation: Women’s representation in leadership positions and decision-making roles is low.
Proposed Reforms:
1. Equal Pay for Equal Work: Strengthen laws to ensure equal pay for men and women, and promote transparency in salary structures.
2. Increase Women’s Representation: Implement quotas or targets for women’s representation in leadership positions and decision-making roles.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements: Promote flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or part-time work, to support work-life balance and increase women’s participation in the workforce.
4. Social Security Benefits: Extend social security benefits, such as maternity leave and childcare support, to all women workers, regardless of their employment status.
Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health and Gender-Inclusive Labour Laws
1. Improved Productivity: Supporting mental health and promoting gender inclusivity can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
2. Increased Participation: Encouraging women’s participation in the workforce can lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce.
3. Better Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements and social security benefits can support work-life balance and improve overall well-being.
4. Economic Growth: Prioritizing mental health and promoting gender-inclusive labor laws can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable economy.