Employment Working Group under #G20India's Presidency

The article is a transcript from the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers Meeting 2023, hosted under India's G20 presidency, focusing on addressing global challenges for workers, including skill gaps, the gig and platform economy, social protection, and sustainable financing. India's priorities emphasize empowering workers through initiatives like 40 skilling schemes under the Skill India Mission and 37 industry-led skill councils to align training with industry needs. The Schnell Courier Service portal provides one-stop employment services for formal and informal workers, while efforts to boost women's labor force participation are highlighted. For gig and platform workers, the Code on Social Security 2020 establishes a Social Security Fund, defines these workers, and mandates benefits; guidelines for vehicle aggregators require health and term insurance for drivers, a 12-hour daily driving limit, and ensuring drivers receive at least 80% of ride fares. Comprehensive social security covers the formal sector via the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), and informal workers through the eShram portal—India's first national database of unorganized workers integrated with labor, welfare, employment, and skilling services—along with schemes like Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The article calls for global collaboration through the G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) to tackle these issues. It recounts the EWG's journey, starting with a welcome in Rajasthan featuring cultural experiences like yoga, heritage walks, and stays at royal palaces; moving to Assam with Bihu dances and Brahmaputra river showcases; and achieving consensus in Geneva on key issues. Celebrations included the International Year of Millets, folk arts under the One District One Product initiative, and public participation via Jan Bhagidari. The meeting concludes in Indore, with adopted outcomes aimed at positive global impact, under the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' The narrative underscores India's cultural diversity and commitment to memorable, collaborative events.