Dr Seema Dwivedi
NEW DELHI: India has a crucial role to play in shaping the future of global employment outlook.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reassured the G20 members that India’s ‘employment’ model will be driven by inclusive growth. He was addressing the first Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting held from February 2-4 in Jodhpur.
“Our robust democracy and our diversity give us the unique perspective and strength to bring together a wide range of voices and ideas,” Shekhawat said. The minister called upon members of the international community to strive to make meaningful progress in creating more opportunities for “decent work” and inclusive growth for all.
The Employment Working Group under India’s Presidency of G20 has identified three priority areas: addressing global skill gaps; gig and platform economy, and social protection; and sustainable financing of social security.
Appropriate theme
The minister said the theme of India’s G20 presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or One Earth, One Family, One Future” is very appropriate and relevant for the working group meeting as the intention is to discuss inter-connectedness of world economies and the ways in which they affect people. “Our active participation in the G20 since its inception is a testament to our commitment to global cooperation and our shared goal of creating a more prosperous world for all,” he said.
Shekhawat added that Covid 19 has had a disastrous effect on employment situation and social security around the world. Pandemic has resulted in significant increase in unemployment and many small businesses have been hit due to economic down turn.
“Many countries and governments had to spend more money fighting the pandemic, leaving less money for other programmes and services. This has put a strain on social security systems. But despite economic stimulant steps, employment situation and social security are still facing challenges,” Shekhawat said. Referring to the significance of the issues taken up for deliberation in this first EWG meeting, Shekhawat said that the scope of employment world over had taken a major shift due to automatisation
India’s initiatives
Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, enunciated various skill development activities and initiatives being taken up in India that have been brought forth by industry and Government bodies to achieve the set goals.
The World Bank in its presentation highlighted the need for universal social protection. The team from the Employees Provident Fund Organization, ministry of labour and employment made an informative presentation on initiatives and schemes being implemented by the Government of India towards enhancing and strengthening social security. This was followed by country-wise interventions and open discussion where participating countries detailed the existing conditions and legal framework for providing social security in their respective countries.
