India calls for a balanced geographical representation at the ILO

“Geographic diversity, with due consideration to population and workforce, should be the guiding principles for a fairer, more equitable and balanced geographical representation within ILO,” labour and employment secretary Sumita Dawra said at the 352nd governing body meeting of the ILO in Switzerland being held from October 28 to November 27, 2024.

Discussing the proposal for greater democratisation within the ILO governing body, India expressed support for comprehensive reforms in governance in not just ILO but other United Nations’ bodies too, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

“Taking the opportunity, India emphasized that a convergent approach will ensure UN bodies operate more synergistically for fulfilling the shared vision of promoting social justice and sustainable and inclusive development globally,” it added.

According to the statement, the Indian delegation, headed by labour secretary Dawra, highlighted the importance of inclusive economic policies that generate quality jobs, support social protection, and promote gender equality.

“Our national efforts to create decent work opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women and youth, are closely aligned with ILO’s call for a renewed social contract,” she said.At the meeting, India reiterated that its commitment to improve the living standards has helped 248 million individuals escape multidimensional poverty in the last nine years, as measured by the multidimensional poverty index.“Besides, the country has added around 170 million persons in economic activity during 2016-17 and 2022-23 driven by conducive government policies, skilling programs, and economic growth,” it said, adding India’s economic trajectory demonstrates sustained job creation across key sectors.

Quoting the recent ILO’s flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26, India said it has significantly expanded its social protection coverage with the ILO report pointing out doubling of social protection coverage in India.

India also highlighted the significance of its targeted public distribution system (PDS), saying it is one of the world’s largest legally binding social assistance schemes providing in-kind food security to about 800 million people.

“With focus on financial inclusion, the government has empowered millions of individuals and families over the last few years,” Dawra said, highlighting initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana bridging the financial gap for the unbanked, while PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana offering affordable life and accident insurance to the beneficiaries.