New Delhi: The Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, in collaboration with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA), is organising a two-day technical seminar on the topic "Formalisation and social security coverage for workers in the informal sector: Challenges and Innovations." The event will take place at Yashobhoomi - India International Convention & Expo Centre, New Delhi, India, on 20-21 January 2025.

The seminar will bring together policymakers, social security administrators, experts, and practitioners from 40 social security organisations across more than 31 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will share ideas, strategies, and solutions for the formalisation of informal workers.

Prominent international organisations, including the World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations (India), and Asian Development Bank, will also participate and share their insights and perspectives.

The Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, and Secretary (Labour & Employment), Sumita Dawra, will attend the inaugural session of the seminar.

The event will feature knowledge exchange and experience sharing through technical discussions and presentations of best practices from various countries. The deliberations aim to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in extending social protection to informal workers. Key themes include:

Formalisation and social security coverage: Exploring pathways to expand coverage, focusing on marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Digital transformation: Highlighting the role of technology, such as the e-Shram Portal, in improving social protection delivery.

Gender equality and empowerment: Advancing gender-inclusive social protection systems to ensure equal access and economic independence.

Data collection and reporting: Strengthening frameworks for accurate data collection, monitoring, and transparency.

The seminar will feature participation from key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. Industry partners such as CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and NASSCOM will also share their insights. State and union territory governments will participate in the seminar as well.

Day one will include an inaugural session and technical discussions on formalisation, flexible pathways to social security for vulnerable workers, and targeted incentives. Day two will focus on social protection delivery using digital solutions, communication strategies, gender equality, and female empowerment through enhanced social protection coverage, as well as strengthening data collection and reporting mechanisms and medical care as social security.

BI Bureau