India has the potential to become one of the largest providers of skilled workforce in the world, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the 4th G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) and Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meetings in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, PM Modi emphasized the role of technology in driving employment in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution. He expressed confidence that the meeting would send a strong message for the welfare of workers worldwide.
PM Modi highlighted the importance of globalizing the development and sharing of skills, stating that mobile workforce would be a reality in the future. He commended the efforts of the G20 in initiating the international referencing of occupations by skills and qualifications requirements. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to skill, re-skill, and upskill the workforce in the use of advanced technologies and processes.
India’s Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana were cited as examples of initiatives to connect with the reality of skill development. PM Modi also focused on Industry ‘Four Point O’ sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things, and Drones.
The Prime Minister praised the dedication and skills of India’s frontline health workers during the Covid pandemic, reflecting India’s culture of service and compassion. He called for new models of international cooperation and coordination, as well as migration and mobility partnerships. PM Modi suggested sharing statistics, information, and data regarding employers and workers to empower countries globally in formulating evidence-based policies for better skilling, workforce planning, and employment.
PM Modi highlighted the transformative change brought about by the gig and platform economy, stating that it offers flexible working arrangements and complements income sources. He emphasized the potential of the gig economy to generate gainful employment, particularly for the youth, and promote the socio-economic empowerment of women.
The Prime Minister mentioned India’s ‘eShram portal,’ which has seen almost 280 million registrations and is used for targeted interventions for workers. He called for similar solutions to be adopted globally, recognizing the transnational nature of work.
While acknowledging the importance of social protection, PM Modi emphasized the need to account for benefits that may not be covered under current frameworks adopted by international organizations. He suggested considering the unique economic capacities, strengths, and challenges of each country, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach for sustainable financing of social protection.
The 4th G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) and Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meetings concluded with the finalization of the Ministerial Declaration and outcome documents. The discussions during the meetings focused on strategies to address rapid transitions in the employment sector and promote the welfare of workers worldwide.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s remarks highlighted India’s potential as a global provider of skilled workforce and the importance of technology-driven employment in the 4th Industrial Revolution. He underscored the need for international cooperation, skill development, and flexible working arrangements to meet the challenges and opportunities of the evolving employment landscape.
