114th International Labour Conference

Why in News?

India participated in the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland, where the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment led the Indian delegation. India showcased its labour reforms, expansion of social protection coverage, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives such as the e-Shram Portal and National Career Service (NCS) Portal.

However, concerns continue regarding the implementation of Labour Codes, protection of gig workers, wage security, and coverage of the informal workforce.

Key Highlights of India’s Address at the 114th ILC

Labour Law Reforms

India highlighted the consolidation of 29 Central Labour Laws into four Labour Codes, aimed at simplifying compliance and improving labour welfare under the principle of Antyodaya (upliftment of the weakest).

Improving Employment Indicators

India emphasized that employment generation and skill development remain central to its development strategy.

Expansion of Social Security

India informed the International Labour Organization (ILO) that:

• Social protection coverage increased from 19% (2015) to 64.3% (2025).
• Around 1 billion people are now covered under various social protection programmes.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

India showcased:

• e-Shram Portal
• National Career Service (NCS) Portal

These platforms were presented as scalable digital public goods for workforce formalisation, employment matching, and social security delivery.

International Labour Mobility

India highlighted efforts to:

• Align domestic skilling with global labour market requirements.
• Develop international occupational classifications in collaboration with the ILO.
• Promote overseas employment opportunities for skilled workers.

New Employment Initiative

India also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aimed at accelerating employment generation and workforce participation.

What is the International Labour Conference (ILC)?

The International Labour Conference (ILC) is the highest decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Key Features

Unique Tripartite Structure

Unlike most international organizations, the ILC follows a tripartite model.

Each member state sends:

• Two Government Delegates
• One Employer Delegate
• One Worker Delegate

All delegates have independent voting rights, ensuring balanced representation of governments, employers, and workers.

Key Challenges Facing India’s Workforce

Gig Workers Remain Vulnerable

Although gig workers are recognized under the Social Security Code, they are not fully classified as employees.

As a result, many gig workers lack:

• Minimum wage guarantees.
• Workplace safety protections.
• Collective bargaining rights.

Informal Sector Exclusion

A large proportion of India’s workforce remains employed in:

• Informal enterprises.
• Micro establishments.
• Contractual arrangements.

Many of these workers remain outside effective labour protection frameworks.

Wage Stagnation

While inflation-linked adjustments continue, delays in revising base wages have led to concerns regarding declining real wages for workers.

Migrant Labour Challenges

Inter-state migrant workers continue to face:

• Housing insecurity.
• Rising living costs.
• Limited access to welfare benefits.
• Social protection gaps.

Measures Needed to Strengthen Labour Welfare

Legal Recognition of Platform Workers

India can consider creating a separate category such as:

• Dependent Contractor
• Platform Worker

to ensure social security and labour protection.

Strengthen Gig Worker Welfare

The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Act, 2023 offers useful lessons, including:

• Welfare Boards.
• Gig Worker Registration.
• Welfare Cess Mechanism.

Better Use of e-Shram Database

The e-Shram Portal can be integrated with:

• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
• Ayushman Bharat
• PM-SYM

to improve welfare delivery for migrant and informal workers.

Revive Social Dialogue

Regular meetings of the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) can improve cooperation between:

• Government
• Employers
• Trade Unions

and help resolve labour disputes through dialogue.

Related Institutions and Schemes

International Labour Organization (ILO)

• Founded in 1919.
• Specialized agency of the United Nations.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

e-Shram Portal

• National database of unorganized workers.
• Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

National Career Service (NCS)

• Digital employment and career platform.

PM-SYM

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan pension scheme for unorganized workers.