India’s Success in Poverty Reduction, Job Growth, and Social Protection: Lessons from the ILO Meeting

India’s Positive Experience in Poverty Eradication, Employment and Social Protection

The 352nd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is being held in Geneva (Switzerland) from 28 October to 7 November 2024. The national efforts to create decent work opportunities for all segments of society, particularly women and youth, which align closely with the ILO’s call for a renewed social contract, were reiterated.

India’s positive experience in this regard was highlighted in the following:

• India’s commitment to improving living standards is reflected in significant initiatives covering all dimensions of poverty, which have led to 248 million individuals escaping multidimensional poverty in the last nine years, as measured by the multidimensional poverty index.
• Significant employment growth over recent years was showcased, with government policies, skilling programs, and economic growth adding around 170 million persons in economic activity during 2016-17 and 2022-23, as per provisional estimates. India’s economic trajectory demonstrates sustained job creation across key sectors, it was underlined.
• Besides, India has significantly expanded its social protection coverage. This is recognized by the recent ILO’s flagship World Social Protection Report 2024–26, which shows the doubling of social protection coverage in India. Besides, our largest in-kind Social Protection scheme, the Targeted Public Distribution System, is well captured as a part of special coverage in the report, as one of the world’s largest legally binding social assistance schemes providing in-kind food security to about 800 million people.
• Further, India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade was highlighted in terms of financial inclusion and prioritizing access to financial services for vulnerable populations. The Government has empowered millions of individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and secure society.
• The Governing Body was informed that government initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana bridge the financial gap for the unbanked, while PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana offer affordable life and accident insurance.

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