Ministry of Labour & Employment
International Seminar on "Formalization and Social Security Coverage for Workers in the Informal Sector: Challenges and Innovations" Hosted by India Concludes in New Delhi
Over 200 Participants Enriched International Dialogue Among Countries of Asia-Pacific Region
India’s Impressive Progress in Doubling Social Protection Coverage to 48.8% Acknowledged at Forum
Collaborative Pathways and Innovative Approaches to Universal Social Security and Formalization Explored
Posted On:
21 JAN 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in collaboration with International Social Security Association (ISSA) hosted a two-day international seminar at Yashobhoomi - India International Convention & Expo Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together social security experts, policymakers and thought leaders to deliberate on "Formalization and Social Security Coverage for Workers in the Informal Sector: Challenges and Innovations."
More than 200 participants including representatives from social security organizations from countries of Asia Pacific region, Ministries of Government of India, states and union territories, international organizations, workers’ and employers’ organizations engaged in the deliberations.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the seminar and launched a book on social protection in India, in the presence of Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment. The book “Social protection in India: Glimpses of the Journey so far” chronicles the evolution of social protection and welfare landscape of India, from the ancient age to the modern times.
The need for universal, adequate, sustainable and inclusive social security coverage, with a focus on gender equality, transparency, and good governance, was acknowledged during the technical sessions. Experts from international organizations delved into labour market developments, challenges to extending coverage, and innovative frameworks to enhance formalization and social protection for vulnerable groups.
Experts from international organizations including International Labour Organisation (ILO), ISSA, World Bank, United Nations India, UN Women and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation shared crucial insights and global perspectives. Representatives from Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal and Indonesia showcased their respective experiences and learnings, while participants discussed innovative approaches to enhancing social security coverage and formalization.
Representatives from Ministry of Labour & Employment presented its key initiatives and achievements including e-Shram, Employment Linked Scheme, social security for gig and platform economy and healthcare benefits in ESIC during the technical sessions.
Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour and Employment in her concluding remarks elaborated on the strides taken by India towards the vision of providing social security for all. She shared India's milestones in provision of health security, pension, livelihood, and food security. “e-Shram portal is well on its way to re-shaping the Indian social security landscape by providing “One Stop Solution” to informal workers for fulfilling their social protection and welfare requirements,” she added.
Dr. Mohammed Azman, President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) lauded India’s pioneering efforts in addressing the social security needs of workers including informal workers.
Interactive digital kiosks of Ministry of Labour and Employment and its organizations including ESIC, Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Director General of Employment and Director General of Labour Welfare, received overwhelming response from the participants.
Landmark initiatives of the Ministry including e-Shram, NCS portal, labour reforms, and EPFO and ESIC were showcased through digital flipbooks and virtual reality (VR) platform. These engaging kiosks emphasized India’s commitment to leveraging technology to make social security more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
The seminar concluded as the Secretary, Labour & Employment reaffirmed the need for continued dialogue and international collaboration to ensure that social security extends to all, leaving no worker behind.
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Himanshu Pathak
(Release ID: 2094922)
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