BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers Adopt Crucial Declaration Under Russian Presidency

The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting, held under the Russian Presidency, adopted a significant declaration. This declaration focuses on life-long learning, vocational guidance, modernising employment services, and robust social support mechanisms. The meeting saw participation from BRICS and new member countries, addressing vital labour and employment issues.

The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting, held under the Russian Presidency on September 9-10, concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Declaration. This declaration acknowledged the necessity for developing comprehensive strategies for life-long learning, vocational guidance, continuous professional education, modernisation of employment services, ensuring safe working conditions, welfare of platform workers, and strengthening robust social support mechanisms. The Ministry of Labour and Employment released a statement highlighting these commitments.

Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, represented India at the meeting. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new BRICS members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, participated in discussions focused on vocational guidance, skills training, life-long professional education, platform employment regulation, workplace safety, and social protection for workers.

India's delegation highlighted several progressive measures, including a comprehensive internship scheme for Indian youth, the integration of the National Career Service portal with the Skill India Digital Hub, and the e-Shram portal for informal sector workers. The Indian government showcased its Code on Social Security, a pivotal step in providing social security benefits to gig and platform workers. The delegation also emphasized measures like accidental insurance under ESIC and major social welfare schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat.

(With inputs from agencies.)