Centre Likely to Move ILO Against India Employment Report

Centre Likely to Move ILO Against India Employment Report

Sub: Eco

Sec: Inflation and unemployment

Context:

• India, a founding member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is reportedly considering raising a complaint against the UN agency regarding its India Employment Report, 2024.
• Report Details:
  • Released in March 2024, the report by the ILO and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) claims that 83% of India’s unemployed workforce comprises youth.
  • The report also highlights that the proportion of unemployed youth with secondary or higher education has nearly doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
• Government’s Response:
  • A senior official from the Union Labour Ministry expressed concerns that the ILO’s model for assessing employment does not accurately reflect India’s situation.
  • The Ministry plans to address these concerns with the ILO, noting that India’s employment landscape includes a growing number of entrepreneurs and formal employment, as evidenced by increased participation in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.
• Data Discrepancy:
  • The Indian government has previously questioned the accuracy of data from private agencies like the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).
  • The government prefers data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys, which it claims provides a more accurate depiction of India’s employment situation.
• Official Statement:
  • Minister of State for Labour mentioned in the Lok Sabha that the unemployment rate for youth in India is showing a declining trend.
  • The government emphasizes that employment generation and improving employability are key priorities, with various initiatives being undertaken to address these issues.