ILO chief lauds India’s social safety community

Gilbert F. Houngbo, chief of the Worldwide Labour Group (ILO) at inauguration “Regional Dialogue” of Social Justice and Observance of 74th Basis Day of Workers’ State Insurance coverage Company (ESIC) in New Delhi on February 24, 2025.
| Picture Credit score: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Citing the “World Social Safety Report 2024-26”, Director-Normal of the Worldwide Labour Group, Gilbert F. Houngbo, stated that the proportion of India’s inhabitants coated underneath at the least one department of social safety has elevated from 24% to 49%, virtually doubling in a really brief time.

“This exceptional achievement displays the sturdy partnership between India and the ILO and the decisive actions taken by the federal government in increasing social safety previously few years,” Mr. Houngbo stated whereas addressing the inaugural session of the “Regional Dialogue on Social Justice” organised by the Union Labour Ministry and the World Coalition for Social Justice right here on Monday (February 24, 2025).

Mr. Houngbo stated India’s efforts in enterprise progress together with social safety serves as instance to encourage change and enhance social safety methods internationally. He additionally appreciated efforts in leveraging digital platforms such because the e-Shram to boost employment alternatives and social safety protection. He termed it as vital steps in the direction of inclusive financial progress. “I salute this super progress in social safety, which serves as a mannequin for the remainder of the world. India’s efforts not solely profit its personal residents but additionally encourage different nations to enhance their very own social safety methods… I acknowledge India’s collaboration with ILO on social safety,” he added.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who inaugurated the meet, stated India has undertaken vital steps in the direction of financial transformation. “The following 5 years current a singular alternative to grasp our imaginative and prescient of Sabka Vikas —balanced progress for all areas and communities,” he stated. He stated the unemployment price has declined from 6% in 2017-18 to three.2% in 2023-24, whereas the Labour Power Participation Fee has elevated from 49.8% to 60.1% throughout the interval. “These optimistic indicators underscore the impression of our reforms and initiatives. Labour reforms have been a basis of India’s efforts to modernise its workforce insurance policies,” he added. The Minister stated the consolidation of 29 labour legal guidelines into 4 simplified Labour Codes has promoted labour welfare, universalised wages and social safety, and ensured safer working circumstances. “These reforms have additionally improved the benefit of doing enterprise by streamlining registration, license, and compliance procedures,” he added.