Lok Sabha Question No. 2356 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Shortage of Labour in Punjab
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2356 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## SHORTAGE OF LABOUR IN PUNJAB

2356. SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether  it  is  true  that  industries  in  Punjab  are  facing  a  major shortage of labourers as a large number of migrant workers have not returned, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether  the  said  shortage  is  affecting  the  key  industries  like textiles,  bicycles,  auto  parts,  and  hosiery  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c)whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  impact  of  migrant workers on production and exports; and
- (d)if so, the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to solve the problem, such as attracting the workers back, training of local youth or offering help to the industries?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a) to (d): The State Government of Punjab has reported that there are no major labour shortages in the state's industries.  However, keeping in view India's vision of becoming 'Atmanirbhar', Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes for 14 key sectors were announced with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore to enhance India's Manufacturing capabilities and Exports.

The 14 sectors are: (i) Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components, (ii) Critical Key Starting Materials/Drug Intermediaries & Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, (iii)  Manufacturing  of  Medical  Devices  (iv)  Automobiles  and  Auto Components, (v) Pharmaceuticals Drugs, (vi) Specialty Steel, (vii) Telecom  &  Networking  Products,  (viii)  Electronic /  Technology

Products, (ix) White Goods (ACs and LEDs), (x) Food Products, (xi) Textile  Products:  MMF  segment  and  technical  textiles,  (xii)  High efficiency solar PV modules, (xiii) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery, and (xiv) Drones and Drone Components.

The purpose of the PLI Schemes is to attract investments in  key  sectors  and  cutting-edge  technology;  ensure  efficiency  and bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make  Indian  companies  and  manufacturers  globally  competitive. These schemes have the potential of significantly boosting production,  employment  and  economic  growth  over  the  next  five years or so.

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched on 17.09.2023  to  provide  end-to-end  support  to  artisans  and  crafts people of 18 trades who work with their hands and tools. Under the scheme, PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries across the country including Punjab,  are  provided  support  for  marketing,  branding,  packaging, skill upgradation etc.

Under t he Government of India's Skill India Mission (SIM) , the  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  (MSDE) delivers  skill,  re-skill  and  up-skill  training  through  an  extensive network  of  skill  development  centres  under  various  schemes,  viz. Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY),  Jan  Sikhshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and  Craftsman  Training  Scheme  (CTS)  through  Industrial  Training Institutes (ITIs), to all the sections of the society across the country including the rural areas of Punjab. The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready, equipped with industry relevant skills.

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