Strengthening Social Justice: India and ILO Collaborate
On February 24, 2025, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, met with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO). This significant bilateral meeting took place in New Delhi during the Regional Dialogue on Social Justice. The dialogue aimed to enhance cooperation between India and the ILO, focusing on social justice, decent work, and inclusive economic growth.
India’s Commitment to Social Justice
During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized India’s proactive role in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, particularly as a member of the Coordinating Group from the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed India’s commitment to promoting responsible business practices that foster sustainable and inclusive societies. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s broader vision of achieving “Viksit Bharat” or a developed India by the year 2047.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of quality employment, skills development, and social protection as essential pillars of social justice. These elements are crucial for creating a fair and equitable society. The Indian government aims to ensure that all citizens have access to decent work opportunities and the necessary support systems to thrive. By focusing on these areas, India seeks to build a robust framework for social justice that benefits all segments of the population.
Bridging the Employment Gap
One of the key initiatives discussed was India’s National Career Service (NCS) portal. Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that this platform effectively connects job seekers with employers. Currently, the NCS portal boasts over 4 million registered employers and has mobilized 44 million job vacancies. This impressive reach demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for its citizens.
The NCS portal serves as a vital tool in addressing the employment challenges faced by many individuals. By providing a centralized platform for job listings and applications, it simplifies the job search process. This initiative not only helps job seekers find suitable positions but also assists employers in finding qualified candidates. The NCS portal is a significant step towards reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth in India.
Enhancing Social Protection for Workers
In addition to employment initiatives, Dr. Mandaviya discussed the importance of social protection for workers. He highlighted the e-Shram portal, which serves as India’s National Database for Unorganized Workers. This platform has registered over 306 million users, granting them access to various social security schemes. The government’s recent budget announcement further supports this initiative by providing unique identity cards and healthcare benefits to over 1 crore gig workers under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
The e-Shram portal plays a crucial role in ensuring that unorganized workers receive the necessary support and benefits. By registering these workers, the government can better understand their needs and tailor social security programs accordingly. This initiative aims to create a safety net for vulnerable workers, ensuring they have access to essential services and protections.
A Collaborative Future for Labour Welfare
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the ILO Director-General, praised India’s progress in expanding social protection coverage. He noted that the ILO’s World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26 recognized India’s achievement in doubling its social protection coverage from 24.4% to 48.8% in 2024. This significant increase reflects India’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its citizens.
Houngbo also acknowledged India’s innovative use of digital platforms like e-Shram and NCS to improve employment opportunities and social security coverage. These efforts are vital for fostering inclusive economic growth. Both leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening India’s role within the ILO as a powerful advocate for developing economies and global labour welfare.
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