New Delhi, Febr 24 : –India hosted the Asia-Pacific region’s first Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Coalition for Social Justice in New Delhi. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the event coincided with ESIC’s 74th Foundation Day, recognizing its contributions to social security.
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequalities. “By working together—governments, businesses, workers’ organizations, and civil society—we can ensure a productive and fair working environment for all,” he stated.
Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted the coalition’s role in balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities to drive sustainable development and reduce poverty through enhanced global cooperation.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo commended India for its leadership in hosting the regional dialogue, noting the country’s progress in expanding social protection coverage. “According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report, India’s population under at least one social protection benefit has doubled from 24% to 49% in a short span, showcasing the government’s commitment to resilience and security,” he said.
The event also marked the launch of the e-Shram Mobile App, a step towards strengthening India’s labour welfare system. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, highlighted initiatives like the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme and the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, which are enhancing formal employment and extending social protection to over 305 million unorganized workers.
India’s Ambassador to the UN, Arindam Bagchi, underlined the nation’s role as a global example in labour reforms, particularly in the gig and platform economy. “India’s scale and technological advancements make it a model for global best practices, ensuring that workers, employers, and governments can navigate new technological landscapes while upholding social justice principles,” he said.
Discussions focused on strategies to enhance employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, through skills development, responsible business practices, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity.
