New Delhi, Oct 12 (KNN) To discuss various issues including approaches to creating a safe work culture in BRICS countries, Russian Presidency conduct BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Virtual Meeting on Friday, 10th October 2020. Director-General ILO, Guy Ryder and representatives from Workers and Employers Organisations also attended.

Speaking at a BRICS Ministerial, Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment said safety, health, welfare and improved working conditions are essential for the wellbeing of the workers. A healthy workforce in the country would be more productive and contribute to economic growth.

The minister has called for a suitable global action especially by BRICs, towards effecting a balance between labour and employer which will generate growth and create more jobs & greater labour welfare.

He also referred to various schemes for securing employment and social protection. These include the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Livelihood Mission launched with the aim of improving employment opportunities through skill training.

The minister informed India has taken up a number of relief measures under the “Self Reliant India Campaign” to protect the economy from the adverse impact of the Covid-19 crisis. These measures include opening a credit line for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to meet their operational expenses, collateral-free working capital loan to approximately 5 million street vendors, launching of a massive employment -cum- rural public works Campaign to provide employment etc.

It is important that the BRICS countries work together to reach concrete policy actions in combating poverty," the Minister said.

Speaking during the Session on 'The future of labour in a digital economy', the minister said that Digitization and technological advancements have a direct effect on the labour market.

"With a strong and reliable digital infrastructure and access, India presents an attractive opportunity for global and local businesses and also creates new employment opportunities," he added.

To ensure transparency and accountability in the labour market system, we have introduced an online inspection system and settlement of industrial disputes.

Our approach to an inclusive future of work needs to include equal access to labour market, equal pay for equal work, equal participation by all the sections of the society and social protection for all the workers.