India actively participated in the two-day 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting held in Brasilia under the Brazilian Presidency. The G20 EWG’s primary objective is to address labor, employment, and social issues, striving for robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth worldwide. Represented by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour & Employment, India co-chaired the meeting alongside Brazil and South Africa. The Indian delegation, including Mr. Rupesh Kumar Thakur, Joint Secretary, and Mr. Rakesh Gaur, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, contributed to the discussions.
The opening session featured a speech by Mr. Luiz Marinho, the Brazilian Minister of State for Labour and Employment, setting the tone for the meeting. Ms. Sumita Dawra highlighted the alignment of the 2nd EWG’s priorities in Brasilia with past G20 agendas, emphasizing the continuity in striving for positive change in the world of work. The focus areas of the meeting included creating quality employment, addressing transitions amidst digital and energy transformations, leveraging technology for improved quality of life, and promoting gender equity and diversity in employment for inclusive growth and innovation.
Day one discussions primarily focused on promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace, with the Indian delegation emphasizing the importance of inclusive environments for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. India showcased its significant achievements in promoting gender equality, supporting migrant workers, reintegrating senior citizens into the workforce, and facilitating the inclusion of differently-abled and marginalized individuals.
Some notable achievements showcased by India on day one included enacting the Occupational Safety Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which allows women to work night shifts with consent, amending the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 to extend maternity leave, implementing the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ policy for migrant workers, and launching the e-Shram portal to register unorganized workers, among others.
India’s efforts to promote the participation of aged persons in the labor market and support rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities were also highlighted. Day two of the meeting continued the agenda discussions, aiming to further progress towards global employment and social welfare.
