NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the inaugural regional dialogue on social justice, reaffirming Indiaโs commitment to fostering an inclusive and just society. The event, held under the Global Coalition for Social Justice, aimed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on solutions promoting equitable growth and social security.
Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating that as the participants unite under the Global Coalition for Social Justice, they reaffirm their shared commitment to building a more just and inclusive world. He highlighted that the significance of the event lies not just in exchanging ideas but in the collective resolve to address the evolving challenges of the time. By fostering partnerships among governments, international organizations, workersโ unions, businesses, and civil society, he noted that the aim is to create tangible solutions that ensure a productive and inclusive working environment where no one is left behind.
The event commenced with the ceremonial Lighting of Panchdeep, followed by addresses from dignitaries, including Rupesh Kumar Thakur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, and Hiranmaya Pandya, President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS). Mandaviya underscored Indiaโs proactive role in driving social justice initiatives, particularly through labour reforms, social security expansion, and responsible business conduct. He emphasized that the consolidation of 39 labour laws into four simplified labour codes has been a cornerstone of Indiaโs workforce modernization efforts. These reforms have streamlined compliance procedures, ensured safer working conditions, and expanded wage and social security benefits.
The International Labour Organizationโs (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024-26 acknowledged Indiaโs progress, highlighting that social protection coverage had reached 48.8% in 2024. Key government agencies, including the Employeesโ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Employeesโ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), have been modernized to extend benefits to a broader workforce. The ISRAM portal, with over 300 million registered workers, and the launch of the ISRAM mobile app are significant steps toward improving last-mile delivery of social benefits.
A major highlight of the event was the Joint Statement on Responsible Business Conduct, presented by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employersโ Federation of India. The statement emphasized ethical business practices, fair wages, workplace safety, and workersโ well-being. Commending businesses and workersโ organizations for their dedication to social justice, Mandaviya urged enterprises to integrate social responsibility into their core operations beyond mere regulatory compliance.
He further stressed that empowering women in the workforce remains a crucial focus for India, adding that the Union Budget 2025-26 has set an ambitious target of achieving 70% female workforce participation by 2047. The government is actively implementing policies to foster inclusive work environments and enhance womenโs leadership representation. Recognizing the role of youth in shaping Indiaโs future, he highlighted the importance of skill development and job creation. With 65% of Indiaโs population under the age of 35, skill development remains a national priority. The availability of Indian graduates has increased from 33% in 2013 to 54% in 2024. He also cited that Indiaโs unemployment rate had declined from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2024, while the labour force participation rate had improved significantly, rising from 49.8% to 60.1% over the same period.
The event also marked the 74th Foundation Day of Employeesโ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). ESIC Director General Ashok Kumar Singh presented an overview of expanded social security coverage, followed by an awards ceremony and the screening of a documentary highlighting ESICโs initiatives. Notable announcements included Indiaโs official joining of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the launch of a film on best practices in responsible business conduct, the introduction of the e-Shram Mobile App, and the release of key publications, including Best Practices on Responsible Business Conduct in India and Transforming Indiaโs Social Protection Landscape through Data Pooling.
The event concluded with addresses from key officials, including Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, and ILO Director General, Gilbert F. Houngbo.
