Statement by India for the Intersessional panel discussion on the right to social security on the theme “The right to social security in the changing world of work” (01 November 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary,

Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 01 November 2021)

Madam Vice President,

We thank the High Commissioner and the panellists for their insightful remarks on the timely and important subject of social security.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate socio-economic impact on the poor and vulnerable segments of population around the world has driven home the critical importance of robust social protection policies.

India’s flagship programmes seek to provide universal social security, health coverage, access to water supply, sanitation and quality education for all Indians. Basic income security for senior citizens, the disabled and widows is being ensured. For guaranteeing workers’ right to minimum wages, the Government of India has recently amalgamated labour laws into the Code on Wages; the Social Security Code; the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code; and, the Industrial Relations Code. Comprehensive provisions have been made for contributory pension, insurance and social security fund for unorganized sector workers.

Madam Vice President,

Globalisation has led to greater migration of skilled professionals between countries. Emigrant Indian professionals have made a significant contribution to global growth and economic development. However, with the rise in international migration, guaranteeing social security of migrants has become a challenge. India has entered into bilateral social security agreements to protect the interests of our skilled professionals working abroad for short duration. In our view, bilateral agreements have a limited scope in terms of coverage of workers and subject matter in comparison to multilateral instruments. For this reason, India has taken initiatives in the ILO and the IOM for wider ratification of relevant Conventions pertaining to social security agreements by States.

Madam Vice President,

In line with Agenda 2030, we are committed to ‘leaving no one behind’.

I thank you.

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