Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: In the midst of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Richard Samans, the ILO G20 Sherpa, lauded India’s achievements during its presidency, particularly in the realms of skill development and social security for gig and platform workers.
Speaking to media, he acknowledged India’s pivotal role in advancing these crucial aspects. India’s presidency, according to Samans, has propelled G20’s initiatives on skilling and extending social security to gig and platform workers. He emphasised that India’s proactive efforts have had a significant impact, leading to a consensus within the G20 on a set of policy priorities for enhancing social protection in this sector.
‘Patchwork quilt’
Expressing his appreciation for India’s leadership, Samans highlighted the intricate nature of social protection initiatives, describing them as a “patchwork quilt around the world and even within countries.” India’s commitment to deepening and widening social protection coverage, especially for workers in the gig economy, has played a crucial role in influencing this global conversation.
The emphasis on skill mapping aligns with India’s strategic vision, given its status as a significant exporter of skilled labour. According to Samans, the envisioned international reference framework for correlating occupations with required skills is poised to enhance global interoperability.
As a response to India’s proactive stance, the ILO and OECD have been tasked with undertaking a feasibility study over the next year to develop a consistent international reference framework. This framework, once established, could serve as the basis for a standardised skills mapping approach across countries.
