India partners with ILO to map global skills gap
NEW DELHI, INDIA — India has pledged to collaborate with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on mapping global skills gaps, including a feasibility study on an international classification system for occupations based on skills and qualifications.
This commitment was made during bilateral meetings between India’s Labour and Employment Secretary Sumita Dawra and ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo on the sidelines of the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
Emerging work priorities of India
According to a statement from the Labour Ministry, India will work closely with the ILO on several key priorities:
- universal social security
- green jobs
- orderly international migration of skilled workers
- creation of new employment opportunities
“India will continue to strengthen its work with the ILO in view of emerging technologies and digitalization in the future of work,” the ministry stated.
Labor reforms and social initiatives
Addressing the ILC plenary session on “towards a renewed social contract,” Dawra emphasized India’s major initiatives in implementing labor reforms, enhancing social security coverage for informal sector workers, promoting female labor force participation, and identifying new employment opportunities.
Addressing the Plenary at 112th Session of #ILC at #ILO today; on the ILO’s Report, ‘Towards a renewed social contract.’ Highlighted India’s 🇮🇳 progress, reforms & continuing work. https://t.co/RATsnxHhqR via @YouTube pic.twitter.com/VtVMAAJ84L
— Sumita Dawra (@SumitaDawra) June 5, 2024
The Indian delegation also deliberated on crucial issues such as social justice, the care economy, biological hazards, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
During the session on decent work and the care economy, the Indian tripartite delegation highlighted the country’s large youth population, with an average age of 29 years, as a potential resource to meet the increasing global demand for care services, particularly for children and the elderly.
In terms of rights at work, the Indian representatives elaborated on the government’s strides in promoting workplace equality, eliminating forced and child labor, and enhancing worker safety and health protections.
By collaborating with the ILO on skills mapping and addressing emerging labor market challenges, India aims to position itself as a leader in promoting equitable and sustainable employment opportunities for its workforce.
