The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has scheduled its 352nd Governing Body meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. It will take place from October 28 to November 7, 2024. Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment will head the Indian delegation. They will play a vital role in the conversations. Ms. Dawra focuses on economic strategies that promote good job opportunities, boost social security, and encourage balance between genders. She emphasizes India’s local efforts. Their goal is to ensure the availability of decent work for everyone, especially women and young people. The efforts align with the ILO’s expectation of establishing a modern social contract.
India’s Achievements in Poverty Eradication
India is committed to enhancing people’s quality of life by implementing comprehensive poverty-reduction programs. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, 248 million people have escaped from multidimensional poverty in the current decade. It shows how effective India’s anti-poverty campaign is.
Substantial Employment Growth in India
The Indian delegation highlights the major employment growth in recent years. Government policies, skilling programs, and economic development have contributed to the addition of around 170 million persons in economic activity during 2016-17 and 2022-23, as per provisional estimates. This level of continuous job creation across important sectors is not only excellent, but also gives hope for the future.
Expansion of Social Protection Coverage
India has greatly expanded its social protection coverage, as recognized by the ILO’s recent flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26. The paper outlines the double increase of social protection coverage in India. The Targeted Public Distribution System which is one of the world’s largest legally enforceable welfare programmes, provides physical form food security to around 800 million people.
India’s Transformation in Financial Inclusion
India’s financial sector has changed considerably ovver the previous ten years. The focus was primarily to give underprivileged people with access to banking services. This has had a good impact on numerous lives. People who do not have a bank account can benefit from programs like the PM Jan Dhan Yojana. Other plans, such as the PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and the PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, offer affordable life and accident insurance.
India’s Support for Governance Reforms in UN Bodies
India praised the ILO and encouraged broad governance reforms in the ILO and other UN bodies during the discussion on more democratization. India underlines that a convergent strategy will help UN organizations achieve social justice and sustainable and inclusive development internationally. Principles for more equal and fair representation within the ILO should be guided by geographic diversity by considering both the workforce and population.
When was the International Labour Organisation (ILO) established?
The ILO was founded in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. It became the first specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946.
According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, 248 million individuals in India have escaped multidimensional poverty over the past 9 years.
As per provisional estimates, around 170 million persons were added to economic activity in India during the period from 2016-17 to 2022-23.
The Targeted Public Distribution System, one of the world’s largest legally binding social assistance schemes, provides in-kind food security to about 800 million people in India.
The discussions on the proposal for greater democratization within the ILO Governing Body took place on October 30, 2024, during the 352nd Governing Body meeting.