New Delhi [India]: India and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) engaged in discussions on key labour issues, including living wages, gig and platform workers’ welfare, and ensuring decent work in value chains.
The dialogue took place during the 353rd Governing Body Meeting of the ILO, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 10 to March 20.
The Indian delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, presented India’s achievements and insights to advance the global agenda of labour welfare, social justice, and quality employment generation.
Key Highlights of India’s Contributions:
- India reaffirmed its support for the upcoming UN-led Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, later this year, which aims to strengthen the social dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Social Development.
- The Indian delegation highlighted the country’s notable progress in social protection, having doubled its coverage to 48.8%, exceeding the global average by over 5%.
Major Social Welfare Achievements Recognized:
- EPFO: 7.37 crore contributing members
- ESIC: 14.4 crore beneficiaries
- e-Shram Portal: 30.6 crore registered unorganized workers
- PM Jan Arogya Yojana: 60 crore beneficiaries
- Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS): Providing food security to 81.35 crore beneficiaries
India’s Stance on Migration and Labour Rights:
As one of the largest sources of migrant workers and the leading recipient of remittances, India called for enhanced global cooperation in promoting skills-based migration pathways.
India also urged the ILO to intensify efforts in securing social protection and rights for migrant workers through bilateral labour migration and social security agreements.
Furthermore, India supported ILO’s proposal to host the first Tripartite Global Forum on Migration under the ILO-led Global Coalition for Social Justice, with India playing a leading role in the coalition.