Empowering Social Justice: India and ILO Join Forces for Change

On February 24, 2025, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, met Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in New Delhi. Their meeting was part of the Regional Dialogue on Social Justice, aimed at strengthening cooperation between India and the ILO. The focus was on social justice, decent work, and inclusive economic growth.

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s role in the Global Coalition for Social Justice. He talked about how India is committed to promoting responsible business practices that build inclusive societies. This aligns with the Indian government’s goal of achieving “Viksit Bharat,” or a developed India, by 2047.

The minister emphasized the importance of quality jobs, skills development, and social protection. These factors are crucial for a fair society. The Indian government aims to ensure that every citizen has access to decent work and support systems. By concentrating on these areas, India aspires to create a strong framework for social justice that benefits everyone.

A key topic was India’s National Career Service (NCS) portal, which connects job seekers with employers. Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that the portal has over 4 million registered employers and lists 44 million job vacancies. This platform helps job seekers find opportunities and allows employers to find qualified candidates, making it a critical tool for reducing unemployment.

Moreover, Dr. Mandaviya underscored the need for social protection for workers, especially those in the unorganized sector. He discussed the e-Shram portal, which is India’s National Database for Unorganized Workers. This platform has registered over 306 million individuals, enabling them to access various social security schemes. Additionally, the government’s recent budget aims to provide unique identity cards and healthcare benefits to over 1 crore gig workers under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

The e-Shram portal is essential for supporting unorganized workers. By registering them, the government can better understand their needs and create suitable social security programs. This initiative aims to ensure that vulnerable workers receive necessary services and protections.

Mr. Houngbo praised India’s progress in expanding social protection. The latest ILO report shows that India doubled its social protection coverage from 24.4% to 48.8% in 2024. This impressive achievement showcases India’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its citizens.

Both leaders agreed on the significance of strengthening India’s presence in the ILO. They discussed the importance of using digital platforms like e-Shram and NCS to boost employment opportunities and social security. Such efforts are crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth.