Prerna Seth

As global labour markets continue to undergo transition induced by rapid technological advancement and climate change, there is not enough research that captures the diverse experiences of the Global South. The FutureWORKS Collective, funded by IDRC Canada, is a consortium of research organisations that will fill this lacuna. The JustJobs Network is proud to be the coordinator of this initiative that underscores the urgency of adapting research and policies to the realities of the Global South.

Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which provides free bus rides to women, aims to improve women's access to better jobs, education, and public spaces by easing mobility restrictions. JJN, in partnership with the Fiscal Policy Institute, Government of Karnataka, is conducting a baseline study to understand the initial impact of the scheme on women’s mobility and their access to employment opportunities and public spaces. This brief presents the methodology and initial findings of the baseline study conducted in September and October 2023.

Karnataka's 'Koosina Mane' scheme is an important intervention that aims to improve women's labour force participation by shifting a part of childcare responsibilities outside the household. It remains to be seen whether the initiative has the desired impact on women's employment outcomes.

This brief provides an overview of the current state of India's social security system and raises questions about how to best streamline and restructure the current fragmented approach to iteratively move toward universal provision that extends coverage to more people.