BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers Meet in Russia to Discuss Workers’ Welfare
The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting was held in Sochi, Russia, on September 9-10 under the Russian Presidency. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration, which focuses on developing comprehensive strategies for lifelong learning, vocational guidance, continuous professional education, modernization of employment services, ensuring safe working conditions, and welfare of platform workers.
Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, represented India at the meeting. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new BRICS members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates participated in the discussions.
The meeting addressed four key issues: vocational guidance and lifelong professional education, platform employment and its regulation, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment, and social protection for workers. The Indian delegation highlighted several initiatives, including a comprehensive internship scheme for youth, the integration of the National Career Service portal with the Skill India Digital Hub, and the role of Sector Skill Councils in enhancing employability.
India’s Code on Social Security was also discussed, which defines ‘gig’ and ‘platform’ workers and aims to provide them with social security benefits. The Government of India’s efforts to mitigate occupational hazards and promote a healthier workforce were showcased, including accidental insurance under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
India’s e-Shram portal, which serves as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for social security benefits for informal sector workers, was also highlighted. Other important schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana for skill development were discussed. India’s Ayushman Bharat healthcare program, which covers 347 million people, was showcased as the world’s largest government-funded healthcare initiative.
India emphasized the importance of universal social protection for all citizens in BRICS countries and urged member states to work together to achieve this goal. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration, reaffirming the commitment to improving workers’ welfare and social support mechanisms.
Doubts Revealed
BRICS -: BRICS is a group of five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They work together on various issues to help each other grow and develop.
Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting -: This is a meeting where ministers from different countries discuss issues related to jobs and workers. They talk about how to make work better and safer for everyone.
Sochi -: Sochi is a city in Russia. It is known for hosting important events and meetings.
lifelong learning -: Lifelong learning means continuing to learn new things throughout your life. It helps people stay updated with new skills and knowledge.
vocational guidance -: Vocational guidance is advice and support to help people choose the right job or career. It helps them understand what they are good at and what jobs might suit them.
National Career Service portal -: This is an online platform in India that helps people find jobs and get career advice. It connects job seekers with employers.
Code on Social Security -: This is a set of laws in India that aims to provide social security benefits to workers. It includes things like pensions, health insurance, and maternity benefits.
e-Shram portal -: The e-Shram portal is an online database in India for unorganized workers. It helps them get benefits and support from the government.
universal social protection -: Universal social protection means ensuring that everyone has access to basic support like healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. It helps people live better lives.
