By Ranjan K Baruah
Labour force is an integral part of any economy of the world. Whether developed or developing, all countries need labour force for different activities like agriculture, industry and beyond.
Labour may be organised or unorganised and if they are unorganised, then they face more challenges in life. It is important to look at the welfare of the labourers for smooth functioning of the economy and society.
Subjects like labour studies bring opportunities for individuals to get engaged in jobs and livelihood option related to labour welfare and similar jobs. It is an interdisciplinary programme, which draws on history, sociology, political economy, women’s studies, industrial relations and other fields in assessing the place of labour and working people in society.
Labour studies prepare academic experts and professionals in policy making, research, working for the right of the labour force. Graduated from different stream may take admission in master course related to labour studies.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) offers Masters Programme in Development and Labour Studies, which is a full-time two-year interdisciplinary course. This MA course provides basic theoretical and empirical training to undertake an in-depth analysis of the structural changes and public policy challenges which confront the labour in the informal sector in the contemporary world.
Tata Institute of Social Science, Guwahati, offers MA in Labour Studies and Social Protection dealing with conceptual, theoretical and practical issues concerning the functioning and dynamics of work, labour and livelihood.
Nature of employment patterns and employment relations has been changing over the period in the contemporary development. The employment is characterised by growing informality and various forms of work related to insecurities in the developed as well as developing nations.
Workers in developing countries are facing effects of globalisation and international restructuring of the global labour market in forms of sub-contraction, casualisation and contractualisation. The course has also an intense debate surrounding the impact of labour laws on employment generation.
Job options after studying this course may be limited but aspirants may create their own jobs if they use their skills and understand the need in the society. There are international originations like International Labour Organisation (ILO).
On March 1, 1960, the governing body of the ILO unanimously decided to establish the International Institute for Labour Studies, which published reports and carried out other activities. There are ministries like Labour and Employment in the states of India and also at the central level. Aspirants may also seek jobs like Labour Welfare Officer in industries or tea gardens; join research institutes or civil society organisations focussing on the welfare of labours in India or even outside India.
Updates:
National Fellowship and Scholarship: Ministry of Tribal Affairs is inviting applications for the National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students 2019-20 from ST students pursuing professional courses at Graduate/PG level and M.Phil/PhD level. Under this scheme, ST students are given financial assistance so as to encourage them pursue higher education. Aspirants must apply before November 15.
(The author is a career mentor, skill trainer and motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected] or 8473943734 for any career related queries)