Global bodies praise India’s labour reforms for inclusive growth
In a significant development, top global organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) have welcomed India’s announcement to bring four Labour Codes into effect. The government has stated that these reforms have been recognised as a major step towards strengthening social protection, enhancing minimum wage frameworks, and building institutional capacity. This move is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s labour landscape, paving the way for more inclusive growth and better working conditions for millions of workers.
The four Labour Codes, which have been cleared by the Parliament, aim to simplify and consolidate the existing labour laws, making it easier for businesses to operate and for workers to access their rights. The codes cover a wide range of areas, including wages, social security, occupational safety, and health. By streamlining the labour laws, the government hopes to create a more favourable business environment, attract foreign investment, and boost economic growth.
The ILO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has praised India’s labour reforms, stating that they are a significant step towards achieving decent work for all. The ILO has been working closely with the Indian government to support the implementation of the labour codes, providing technical assistance and expertise to ensure that the reforms are aligned with international labour standards. The organisation has welcomed the codes’ emphasis on social protection, minimum wages, and occupational safety and health, which are essential for promoting fair and equitable working conditions.
Similarly, the ISSA, a global organisation that promotes social security worldwide, has also lauded India’s labour reforms. The ISSA has stated that the codes will help to strengthen social protection in India, particularly for vulnerable workers who are often excluded from formal social security schemes. The organisation has praised the codes’ focus on extending social security coverage to all workers, including those in the informal economy, and has offered to provide technical assistance to support the implementation of the reforms.
The Indian government has stated that the labour reforms are a key part of its agenda to promote inclusive growth and social justice. The government believes that the codes will help to create a more equitable and just society, where all workers have access to decent working conditions, fair wages, and social protection. By strengthening social protection and promoting minimum wages, the government hopes to reduce poverty and inequality, and promote economic growth that benefits all sections of society.
The labour reforms have also been welcomed by industry bodies and trade unions, who see them as a major step forward in promoting better working conditions and social protection for workers. The reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s business environment, making it easier for companies to operate and creating more jobs and opportunities for workers.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of the reforms on workers’ rights. They argue that the codes may weaken labour laws and make it easier for companies to exploit workers. The government has responded to these concerns, stating that the codes are designed to promote workers’ rights and interests, and that they will be implemented in a way that balances the needs of businesses and workers.
In conclusion, the global community has welcomed India’s labour reforms as a major step towards promoting inclusive growth and social protection. The reforms, which aim to simplify and consolidate labour laws, have been praised by top global organisations such as the ILO and the ISSA. By strengthening social protection, enhancing minimum wage frameworks, and building institutional capacity, the government hopes to create a more equitable and just society, where all workers have access to decent working conditions, fair wages, and social protection. As India continues to implement these reforms, it is likely that the country will see significant improvements in its labour landscape, paving the way for more inclusive growth and better working conditions for millions of workers.
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