A statement said on 2 November 2024 that the Indian model of inclusive economic policies that generate quality jobs, support social protection, and promote gender equality was highlighted by the country’s delegation at the 352nd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held in Geneva.
The India delegation is led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, at the ILO meeting, which will continue until 7 November. During the discussions, Dawra highlighted the national efforts to create decent work opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women and youth, which align closely with the ILO’s call for a renewed social contract.
Dawra also shared with ILO Governing Body members India’s commitment to improving living standards, reflected in significant initiatives covering all dimensions of poverty that have led to 248 million individuals escaping multidimensional poverty in the last nine years, as measured by the multidimensional poverty index. The Indian team also highlighted India’s transformation over the past decade in terms of financial inclusion and prioritising access to financial services for vulnerable populations.
Dawra said the Government’s steps have empowered millions of individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and secure society.
Government initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana bridge the financial gap for the unbanked. The Governing Body was informed that PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana offer affordable life and accident insurance. The Indian delegation also showcased the significant employment growth over the recent years, with government policies, skilling programmes, and economic growth adding around 170 million persons in economic activity during 2016-17 and 2022-23 as per provisional estimates.
It was underlined that India’s economic trajectory demonstrates sustained job creation across key sectors. Dawra also said that India has significantly expanded its social protection coverage. This is recognised by the recent ILO’s flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26, which shows the doubling of social protection coverage in India. Besides, the Indian government’s largest in-kind social protection scheme, namely the Targeted Public Distribution System, is well captured as a part of special coverage in the report, as one of the world’s largest legally binding social assistance schemes providing in-kind food security to about 800 million people, the ILO members were informed.
During earlier discussions on the proposal for greater democratisation within the ILO Governing Body, India commended the ILO but expressed support for comprehensive reforms in governance in not just the ILO but other UN Bodies as well.
-IANS
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.