India Showcases Labour Reforms and Digital Workforce Initiatives at ILC Geneva

The National Career Service Portal and the e-Shram Portal were highlighted as key tools connecting workers with opportunities, improving worker registration and supporting skill development initiatives.

India highlighted its evolving labour ecosystem and growing social protection network at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, where Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, led the Indian delegation and outlined the country's recent achievements in employment, labour reforms and digital governance.

The minister addressed the plenary session of the conference and praised the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its efforts in advancing social justice and decent work during a period marked by rapid economic and technological changes. She emphasized that India's labour reforms have been shaped by the principle of "Antyodaya," with 29 central labour laws consolidated into four Labour Codes designed to simplify compliance, strengthen worker welfare and build a more transparent labour framework.

Employment Growth and Expanding Social Security

Karandlaje highlighted several indicators reflecting changes in India's labour market over the past decade. Youth employability rose from 34 percent in 2014 to more than 56 percent in 2025, while the unemployment rate declined from 6 percent in 2017 to 3.1 percent in 2025. Women's participation in the workforce also increased significantly, reaching 38.8 percent from 22 percent during the same period.

She pointed to the rapid expansion of social protection coverage across the country, citing preliminary ILO estimates showing coverage reaching nearly 1.001 billion people. India has also launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana to support job creation and employment opportunities across sectors.

Digital Platforms Driving Workforce Inclusion

A major focus of India's presentation was the use of Digital Public Infrastructure in labour and employment services. The National Career Service Portal and the e-Shram Portal were highlighted as key tools connecting workers with opportunities, improving worker registration and supporting skill development initiatives.

India also underlined the importance of international cooperation in workforce planning and skills development. Discussions included an ongoing feasibility study with the ILO on creating an international reference classification of occupations, a move expected to support global labour mobility and better workforce mapping.

Bilateral Talks Strengthen Global Partnerships

On the sidelines of the conference, Karandlaje held meetings with labour leaders from Rwanda and Sri Lanka, along with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. Rwanda expressed interest in India's digital public infrastructure and sought support in skills development and labour formalization. Sri Lanka explored India's experience in implementing the four Labour Codes and discussed collaboration in employment services and workforce development.

During her meeting with the ILO Director-General, the minister reaffirmed India's commitment to promoting decent work, inclusive growth and social justice. The discussions covered labour reforms, social security expansion, digital governance, skilling initiatives and international labour mobility.

At a high-level event on India's New Labour Codes, Karandlaje explained how the reforms strengthen minimum wage protection, improve occupational safety standards, extend social security benefits to gig and platform workers, support gender equality and enhance collective bargaining mechanisms. She also highlighted India's efforts to connect skill development with international employment opportunities through safe and transparent migration pathways.