[Answered] The increasing engagement of students in diverse forms of employment, including hybrid and part-time roles, internships, and apprenticeships, necessitates a comprehensive National Student Work Policy to define their rights and responsibilities. Critically analyze this statement. Discuss the key imperatives for establishing such a policy in India, focusing on how it can ensure fair treatment, adequate support, and a balanced approach to student employment without compromising their academic pursuits.

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of higher education and employment, student engagement in part-time work, internships, and apprenticeships has become increasingly common. With over 40 million students enrolled in higher education (AISHE 2021-22) and the rise of hybrid and gig economies, the absence of a comprehensive National Student Work Policy leaves this growing workforce vulnerable to exploitation, academic stress, and lack of legal protections. Recognizing student workers’ rights while ensuring academic integrity is now a national imperative.

The Need for a National Student Work Policy

1. Growing Participation in the Informal Economy: A large proportion of student work occurs off-campus in unregulated environments such as retail, delivery services, tele-calling, and internships. This exposes students to wage theft, harassment, and unsafe conditions without grievance redressal mechanisms.
2. Academic-Employment Balance: Without formal guidelines, students risk overburdening themselves, leading to absenteeism, poor academic performance, or dropout. A policy can regulate work hours (e.g., 21 hours/week during term) to protect academic priorities.
3. Lack of Uniform Standards: Current provisions such as UGC’s “Earn While You Learn” scheme are limited to on-campus work and lack enforceable rights. A national framework would harmonize rights across institutions and states.
4. Socioeconomic Support and Inclusion: For students from marginalized or economically weaker backgrounds, part-time employment is essential. A policy would ensure they are not exploited and are provided minimum wages, workplace safety, and leave benefits.

Key Imperatives of the Policy

1. Defining Rights and Responsibilities: Right to fair wages, safe workspaces, non-discrimination, and timely payments. Responsibility to maintain attendance, performance standards, and confidentiality.
2. Creation of Institutional Mechanisms: Institutional Work-Study Programs (IWSPs) in each HEI. Establishment of Office of Employment Services (OES) to mediate between employers, institutions, and students. Mandatory registration of off-campus employment.
3. Legal and Social Safeguards: Compliance with labour laws and anti-discrimination norms. Grievance redressal mechanisms and student ombudspersons. Protection against arbitrary termination and retaliation.
4. Work-Hour and Leave Protections: Cap on working hours, with flexibility during academic breaks. Paid leave during exams or emergencies, possibly supported by government schemes.
5. Inclusive Opportunities and Skill Development: Integration with National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Skill India Mission. Facilitate structured work-based learning without undermining academic integrity.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Implementation capacity of HEIs, especially in rural or underfunded areas.
2. Regulating informal sector employers where most student work happens.
3. Avoiding academic dilution or misuse of student labour for non-learning roles.
4. Need for periodic review and alignment with changing labour market trends.

Conclusion

The demand for a National Student Work Policy is both timely and necessary. It promises to democratize access to work opportunities, protect vulnerable student workers, and promote employability without compromising academic goals. In a demographic-rich country like India, such a policy is not merely administrative reform—it is a strategic investment in its human capital.