Seminar on Social Security for Informal Workers
The Ministry of Labour and Employment in India is set to host a significant two-day technical seminar. This event, organized in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), will focus on the pressing issue of social security coverage for workers in the informal sector. Titled “Formalisation and Social Security Coverage for Workers in the Informal Sector: Challenges and Innovations,” the seminar will take place at the Yashobhoomi- India International Convention & Expo Centre in New Delhi.
This seminar aims to gather a diverse group of stakeholders. Policymakers, social security administrators, and experts from over 40 social security organizations across more than 31 countries in the Asia-Pacific region will participate. Their goal is to share insights, strategies, and solutions for the formalization of informal workers. Notable international organizations, including the World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations (India), and the Asian Development Bank, will also contribute their perspectives.
Objectives of the Seminar
The primary objective of this seminar is to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in extending social protection to informal workers. The event will feature a series of technical discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants will explore various themes that are crucial for improving social security coverage.
Key themes include the formalization of informal workers and expanding social security coverage, particularly for marginalized groups. The seminar will also address the role of digital transformation in enhancing social protection delivery. This includes discussions on the e-Shram Portal, which aims to streamline access to social security benefits. Additionally, the seminar will focus on gender equality and empowerment, emphasizing the need for inclusive social protection systems. Finally, the importance of accurate data collection and reporting will be highlighted to ensure transparency and effective monitoring.
Participation of Key Stakeholders
The seminar will see participation from various key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Industry partners such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) will also share their insights. Furthermore, representatives from various states and Union Territories will contribute to the discussions.
The involvement of these stakeholders underscores the seminar’s importance in shaping policies and practices related to social security for informal workers. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the seminar aims to foster collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by this vulnerable segment of the workforce.
Event Highlights and Agenda
The seminar will unfold over two days, each packed with informative sessions. Day 1 will kick off with an inaugural session featuring prominent speakers, including the Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje. The day will include technical discussions on formalization and flexible pathways to social security for vulnerable workers.
Day 2 will shift focus to the delivery of social protection through digital solutions. Discussions will cover communication strategies, gender equality, and female empowerment through enhanced social protection coverage. Additionally, the seminar will address the strengthening of data collection and reporting mechanisms, as well as the role of medical care as a component of social security.
This seminar represents a crucial step towards improving the lives of informal workers in India and beyond. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, it aims to pave the way for innovative solutions and effective policies that ensure social security for all.
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