New Delhi - During the pandemic, the job market faced a significant downturn, leaving many jobless and grappling with financial hardships. To assist those in need, the Delhi government launched an online portal to connect job seekers with employers. However, much like other government initiatives, the 'Rozgar Bazaar' portal received substantial publicity, with the former deputy chief minister claiming that over 10 lakh people had been provided jobs. However, a recent Right to Information (RTI) inquiry by The Hindu has unveiled a different reality.
The RTI revealed that the Delhi government's Directorate of Employment lacks information about individuals who secured employment through the 'Rozgar Bazaar' job portal. In response to the RTI query, the Employment Directorate stated, "The portal does not maintain records of individuals successfully finding employment. Consequently, when an employer places a candidate through the Rojgar bazaar portal, there is no obligation for the employer to furnish placement details to the department."
In July 2022, Manish Sisodia, the then Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, claimed that the portal was responsible for providing employment to almost 10 lakh people by then. The politician stated, "The official figures from Rojgar Bazaar show that over 10 lakh jobs have been generated in Delhi in the past two years. Everyone will soon see how Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lives up to his promise of providing another 20 lakh jobs in Delhi as announced in our Rozgaar Budget this year. The Delhi government believes in public welfare and will never forsake the people's interest."
The report by The Hindu contradicted the AAP's claims about providing 10 lakh jobs in the private sector through the portal. The actual number of people securing jobs until May 1, 2022, was only 12,588, as confirmed through phone calls with people who had posted openings on the portal. The 'Rozgar Bazaar' portal was launched by the Delhi government during the challenging phase of the pandemic to connect job seekers with employers.
Launched by the Delhi government on July 27, 2020, during the pandemic's economic turmoil, the 'Rozgar Bazaar' portal offers a user-friendly interface. Upon logging into https://rojgarbazar.com/, users can search for jobs by title or keyword. The homepage presents two options: one to apply for a job and the other for employers to hire qualified individuals. Additionally, interested individuals can join various Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook groups.
The job listings are categorized based on qualifications, ranging from opportunities for individuals without formal education to those with master’s degrees. Location-specific job listings are available for cities like Ghaziabad, Surat, Kolkata, Pune, and more. Moreover, category-specific employment opportunities are also provided.
Applicants need to input personal information, educational background, and work experience on the Rozgaar Bazaar - Delhi Government Jobs Portal Online. To register, visit the official website at jobs.delhi.gov.in, click on the "I Want a Job" option, enter your mobile number, and verify it using the OTP received. After confirmation, provide your email address, educational qualifications, and set up login credentials.
Once registered, users can browse job opportunities matching their qualifications and experiences within different categories on the portal. Contact details, including mobile numbers, are shared with potential employers to facilitate further steps in the employment process.
The Delhi Government introduced the Rozgar Bazaar employment platform in July 2020 to assist job seekers and employers affected by multiple COVID-19 lockdowns. While initially attracting substantial user interest, the platform couldn't maintain momentum due to various challenges. These included fraudulent job listings, inadequate candidate-job matching, and reported technical issues for both job seekers and employers. DDC Delhi conducted a thorough analysis of the challenges faced on the platform and the comprehensive benchmarking of similar public and private job portals, both in India and internationally, and subsequently, redefined the vision for Rozgar Bazaar 2.0 and identified key features for strengthening the platform and improving the user experience on the platform.
Rozgar Bazaar 2.0 (RB 2.0), with its highly advanced and unique offerings, is envisioned to be a one-stop platform for job seekers and employers in Delhi NCR. Unlike its predecessor, RB 2.0 will be developed as an integrated portal and will be implemented through a unique public-private partnership. RB 2.0 will be built as a white-labelled product offering with one anchor partner selected through the RFP process. The White Label Partner will be responsible for the development and operation of the platform.
In September 2023, the Delhi High Court issued an order to the Delhi Government, directing them not to display any job advertisements on their "Rozgar Bazaar portal" that do not conform to the Minimum Wages Act of 1948.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula acknowledged the Delhi Government's commitment to enhancing the portal's software to prevent the posting of job ads offering wages below the legally mandated minimum.
As a result, the court addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) urging the Delhi Government to immediately stop allowing individuals, companies, organizations, or establishments from advertising job openings with salaries below the specified minimum wage on their official portal.
The PIL also called for government oversight of online payments to ensure that employees receive the minimum wage as required by law.
The government clarified that they had developed software enabling the posting of job listings without restrictions based on job categories or specific requirements.
The PIL was filed by a law student from Jamia Millia Islamia University, aiming to promote the welfare of workers and laborers in Delhi. The petition sought the implementation of labor laws and the eradication of bonded labour in the national capital.
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