At the Eighth South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum on SDGs in New Delhi, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ms. Sumita Dawra discussed India’s advancements in promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). Co-hosted by NITI Aayog and UN ESCAP, the forum highlighted India’s inclusive growth, poverty reduction, labor market formalization, and social protection initiatives.
India’s Achievements in Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation
- Strong Economic Growth: India projects a 7% GDP growth rate for FY 2024-25, driven by effective poverty alleviation programs that have helped 250 million people escape multidimensional poverty.
- Social Protection Expansion: According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26, India has doubled its social protection coverage, particularly through its Targeted Public Distribution System, providing food security to 800 million people.
Employment and Labor Market Formalization
The forum highlighted India’s improving employment rates and decreasing unemployment:
- Unemployment Rate: Reduced from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2022-23.
- Employment Growth: Employment rate rose from 46.8% in 2017-18 to 56% in 2022-23, with significant job creation in the service sector, construction, and logistics.
India’s Employees’ Provident Fund Organization added 64 million net subscribers in six years, reflecting ongoing formalization efforts. The 2024-25 Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes also support first-time employees, benefitting the formal sector.
Technology and Innovation for Labor Market Efficiency
India is using digital platforms to enhance job access:
- National Career Service (NCS): Connects job seekers with employers, helping to bridge the demand-supply gap.
- e-Shram Portal: Provides social security benefits to over 300 million workers in the unorganized sector, supporting gig and platform workers with future expansions into healthcare, insurance, and skill development.
Comprehensive Labor Reforms
India’s labor laws have been streamlined to create a safer and more productive work environment:
- Labor Codes Simplification: Consolidated 29 laws into 4 labor codes, enhancing working conditions and ensuring social security coverage for all workers, including gig and platform workers.
International Cooperation and Skill Recognition
As G20 President, India is fostering cross-border labor mobility by collaborating with organizations like the ILO and OECD. Efforts are underway to create a framework for mutual recognition of skills to support workers across borders.
Key Highlights of India’s Progress on Decent Work and Economic Growth at SDG Forum
Aspect | Details |
Projected GDP Growth | 7% for FY 2024-25 |
Poverty Alleviation Impact | 250 million people moved out of multidimensional poverty |
Social Protection (ILO Report) | Doubled coverage, benefiting 800 million people through food security |
Unemployment Rate (PLFS & RBI) | Decreased from 6% (2017-18) to 3.2% (2022-23) |
Employment Rate | Increased from 46.8% (2017-18) to 56% (2022-23) |
e-Shram Registered Workers | 300 million workers in unorganized sector |
Labor Law Reforms | 29 laws consolidated into 4 labor codes for better worker protections |
SDG Forum Summary:
- India’s focus on Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) was discussed at the Eighth South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum.
- India achieved 7% GDP growth projection and helped 250 million people escape poverty.
- Unemployment dropped to 3.2%, and formalization efforts included adding 64 million to EPFO.
- Digital solutions like NCS and e-Shram offer job and social security access.
- Simplified labor laws now provide better protections for workers, including gig workers.
- International cooperation on skills recognition for labor mobility is a priority.
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FAQs on SDG 8 Forum (People Also Ask)
SDG 8 focuses on Decent Work and Economic Growth. It is vital for India to ensure sustainable economic growth and job opportunities for all.
The primary goals include increasing employment rates, reducing unemployment, and expanding social security for workers.
India expanded social protection through initiatives like the Targeted Public Distribution System, reaching 800 million people.
India simplified 29 labor laws into 4 labor codes to improve working conditions, productivity, and social security coverage.
India’s unemployment rate fell from 6% to 3.2%, and the employment rate rose to 56%, reflecting significant improvement.
Platforms like the NCS and e-Shram portal connect job seekers to opportunities and provide social security access to unorganized sector workers.
As G20 President, India is developing a framework with ILO and OECD to recognize skills, enhancing cross-border labor mobility.