Imphal: Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated a two-day international seminar on “Formalization and Social Security Coverage for Workers in the Informal Sector: Challenges and Innovations” at Yashobhoomi-India International Convention and Expo Centre in New Delhi on Monday.
The international dialogue organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment of India, in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and International Social Security Association (ISSA) at the Yashobhoomi – India International Convention and Expo Center, aimed to discuss strategies for formalising informal sector workers and expanding social security coverage, stated a press statement published by PIB.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasised that social security must reach ordinary people to ensure they can live with their basic needs adequately met. He pointed out that India’s social protection coverage doubled from 24.4% to 48.8% per ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. Almost 920 million people, 65% of the population, are covered by at least one social protection benefit (cash or in-kind) by schemes of the Central Government, he maintained.
He noted that India has made significant strides in areas such as health security, pension security, livelihood security, and food security, and added that 600 million Indians are now covered under health security, with a free health cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs available at more than 24,000 hospitals across the country. He further highlighted the increase in economic growth and participation of women in the workforce.
The Union Minister visited various exhibition stalls showcasing initiatives like e-Shram, National Career Service portal etc. undertaken by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and also launched the coffee table book ‘Social protection in India’ at the ISSA-ESIC international seminar.
Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje; Secretary (Labour & Employment), Sumita Dawra; ISSA President, Dr. Mohammed Azman along with other dignitaries were present at the seminar.
