NEW DELHI: India's social protection systems now cover about 101 crore people, or over 68 per cent of the population, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, said at the 4th Global Industrial Relations Summit in New Delhi. This figure, the Minister said, had been highlighted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) the BRICS Labour Ministers' Meeting in Hyderabad last week, testifying to a global recognition of India’s social security coverage.

The Summit is organised by the All India Organisation of Employers (AIOE) in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and ILO.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that harmonious industrial relations require continuous coordination among governments, industry, employers, workers and trade unions to ensure that economic development and employment generation progress together. Stressing that industrialisation is essential for national development as it drives employment creation, the Union Minister also underlined the growing importance of self-help groups and cooperative models, particularly women-led initiatives, in expanding livelihood opportunities, strengthening the economy and promoting women's empowerment. “It is essential to have a balanced development model that advances the welfare and social security of workers, as well as ensure ease of doing business for employers,” he stated.

Dr. Mandaviya underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sustained economic growth, supported by stable taxation, rising savings, higher purchasing power and increased manufacturing, has created a virtuous cycle of development and employment. Citing improving employment elasticity, he said that every one per cent increase in GDP is generating 1.11 per cent employment growth, as compared to 0.008 per cent growth in employment seen twelve years ago.

Dr. Mandaviya also indicated that the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) need not remain the sole provider of care under its own scheme. Well-run private hospitals could be designated as ESIC facilities, he said, describing upcoming reform of the corporation. He also pointed to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) move to fully digital claims and automatic transfer of accounts on a single UAN, with UPI-based withdrawal under consideration.

Michiko Miyamoto, Director ILO DWT for South Asia and Country Office for India, congratulated India on the expansion of its social security coverage, noting that according to ILO estimate, the country had crossed one billion people covered by at least one social protection criterion. This achievement, she underscored, would play a key role in propelling India’s economic growth in the days ahead.