The Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, in collaboration with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and International Social Security Association (ISSA), is organising two days Technical Seminar on the topic Formalisation and social security coverage for workers in the informal sector: Challenges and Innovations. Venue of the event is Yashobhoomi- India International Convention & Expo Centre, New Delhi- India.

The seminar will bring together policymakers, social security administrators, experts and practitioners of 40 social security organizations from more than 31 countries across Asia Pacific Regions. They will share ideas, strategies and solutions for formalisation of informal workers.

Prominent international organisations like World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations (India), and Asian Development Bank will also be participating and would share their insights and perspectives.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Secretary (Labour& Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra will grace the inaugural session of this technical seminar.

The event will feature exchange of knowledge and experience sharing through technical discussion and sharing of countries’ best practices. The deliberations would enhance capacity of the constituents in the area of extending social protection to informal workers. Key themes include:

• Formalization & Social Security Coverage: Exploring pathways to expand coverage, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Digital Transformation: Highlighting the transformative role of technology like the e-Shram Portal in improving social protection delivery.
• Gender Equality & Empowerment: Advancing gender-inclusive social protection systems to ensure equal access and economic independence.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Strengthening frameworks for accurate data collection, monitoring, and transparency.

Key Stakeholders

The seminar will feature participation from key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Industry partners such as CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and NASSCOM will also share their views and insights. States/UT’s will also be participating in the technical seminar.

Event Highlights

Day 1 will include an inaugural session, technical discussions on formalisation, flexible pathways to social security for vulnerable workers (difficult to cover groups), and targeted incentives for them.

Day 2 will focus on social protection delivery using digital solutions, communication strategies, gender equality and female empowerment through enhanced social protection coverage, strengthening data collection and reporting mechanism and medical care as social security.

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Himanshu Pathak