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The Ministry of Labour and Employment and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation hosted a two-day international seminar in New Delhi on formalization and social security coverage for workers in the informal sector. Over two hundred participants from Asia-Pacific countries, international organizations, and government bodies attended the event. Experts discussed challenges, digital solutions, and innovative approaches to universal social security and gender equality. Union officials showcased national initiatives including the e-Shram portal, Employment Linked Scheme, and ESIC healthcare benefits during the technical sessions.
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
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.
In the 2nd session of Day 2, experts discussed extending social security coverage to empower women & promote gender equality. Presentations by UN Women & ISSA explored tailored policies & systemic solutions to support the female workforce.#ISSA ESIC2025#LabourMinistry#MoLE pic.twitter.com/RCegW8GYiq — Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) January 21, 2025
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.
Day 2 Session 1 at the ISSA-ESIC International Seminar explored digital solutions like eShram & emphasised effective outreach strategies. Experiences from Nepal added depth to the discussions, setting the stage for innovative reforms ahead.#ISSAESIC2025#LabourMinistryIndia pic.twitter.com/g9bOPmJR0t — Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) January 21, 2025
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.
Session 3 of Day 2 📊 Measuring progress in #SocialSecurity coverage requires robust data collection, focusing on inclusion, sectoral coverage, and participation rates. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/K3OHHLmF0v — Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) January 21, 2025
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.
🌟 The two-day 'ISSA-ESIC International Seminar' emphasized addressing challenges faced by informal workers, with solutions focusing on universality, adequacy, and gender equality. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/KZh6KcqZnR — Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI (@LabourMinistry) January 21, 2025
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.
Himanshu Pathak
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