Partnership between Government of India and ILO reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of work in times of rapid transformation, says Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Government of India signs MoU with ILO to Advance ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’
Collaboration to facilitate youth in availing global employment opportunities, help Indian workers integrate seamlessly into global labour markets
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya virtually attended the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Government of India and International Labour Organisation (ILO) for collaboration to develop ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’. The MoU was signed by Shri Arindam Bagchi, Ambassador and Permanent Mission of India, Geneva and Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, ILO in Geneva, Switzerland. The MoU will facilitate youth in availing global employment opportunities.
Significant skill shortages are being faced by many countries due to demographic deficits and digitalization. In order to fill these skill gaps, the G20 leaders during India's Presidency in 2023 committed to working towards ensuring well-managed, regular and skills-based migration pathways. To this end, they endorsed the development of International Reference Classification of Occupations by skill and qualification requirements.
Addressing during the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that the partnership between the Government of India and the ILO reflects shared commitment to shaping the future of work in times of rapid transformation. “The International Reference Classification will enhance comparability of data and promote mutual recognition of skills,” he further added.
Dr. Mandaviya drew attention to India’s steady progress towards greater formalisation of the economy. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 12th Independence Day address, and stated its aim to create over 35 million jobs in the formal sector over the next two years. This would significantly boost youth employment and further expand the coverage of social protection data, the Minister said.
Dr. Mandaviya stressed upon India’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation in order to enhance labour market efficiency and worker welfare. This commitment, he said, was recently showcased at the International Labour Conference, where India presented two key digital public goods, the National Career Service (NCS) Portal and the e-Shram Portal.
“These digital initiatives hold great potential for cross-learning and adaptation by other member states,” Dr. Mandaviya said. The Minister proposed organising a dedicated session, in collaboration with the ILO, to share insights and experiences around these digital public goods.
DG ILO noted that the MoU would have far reaching impact for countries across the globe. He further underlined the good work that India has been doing in matters related to labour mobility and social protection.
During this event, Secretary (L&E), Ms. Vandana Gurnani emphasized that the MoU provides a framework for undertaking a feasibility study and pilot exercise in crucial areas such as the green, digital, and care sectors. She outlined that this MoU presents an opportunity for wider collaboration in the future, benefitting the global workforce.
This MoU marks a crucial step towards expanding global job opportunities for India's youth. The agreement will help Indian workers to seamlessly integrate into global labour markets. It reinforces India’s vision of becoming not just the skill capital of the world, but also a trusted source of talent for countries facing workforce shortages.
This initiative has the potential of not only enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian graduates but also positioning India as an international hub for high quality, future-ready education and skilling.
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Rini Choudhury/ Anjelina Alexander
(Release ID :276042)