In a move aimed at bridging the employment gap and supporting micro-entrepreneurs, the Government of India has extended access to the National Career Service (NCS) job listings portal to sole business owners. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, enables registered sole proprietors to not only post job vacancies for their enterprises but also access a database of verified job seekers across sectors. This inclusion is designed to help small businesses grow by streamlining their recruitment process and connecting them with skilled and semi-skilled labor.

Previously, the NCS platform primarily catered to large companies, government organizations, and registered recruiters. With this update, Udyam-registered and GST-compliant sole proprietors can now register as employers on the portal using simplified documentation—primarily PAN, Aadhaar, and business registration details. Once registered, they can advertise vacancies, conduct digital interviews, and manage hiring workflows at no cost. This reform is especially useful for sole business owners in sectors such as retail, logistics, tailoring, hospitality, and food services, where short-term and local employment demand is frequent.

Government officials emphasized that expanding access to the NCS platform helps promote inclusive growth and supports job creation at the grassroots level. It also improves the visibility of micro-enterprises in the formal employment ecosystem. In addition, registered sole proprietors can participate in NCS job fairs, training webinars, and upskilling programs supported by the Skill India initiative. The move has been well received by small business associations and workforce development experts, who believe it will strengthen the employment link between India’s smallest employers and its growing pool of job-ready youth.