The First BRICS Ministerial Meeting held at Ufa ,Russia in the beginning of this year was a success and it recognized the importance of Labour and Employment pillar for promoting decent work and sustainable development in BRICS countries, said Dattatraya. In India , we give utmost importance to social protection to workers through various initiatives and schemes and we have been quite successful in our endeavors. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, programs like the ‘Make in India ’, ‘Start up India ’ have been launched by Government to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation, he said.
Dattatraya said The technical sessions has deliberated on the key issues and the relevant agreements will be made at the forthcoming Ministerial meeting of BRICS nations to be held in Agra , during September, 2016. Dattatraya said the government of India has launched the ‘Skill India Mission’ to develop and enhance the skill sets of the workers. Increasing skill levels of the workers would enable them to earn better remuneration in the labour markets.
Dattatraya informed that the Model Shops and Establishment Bill, 2016 gives the shops and establishments employing ten or more workers the freedom to operate 365 days in a year and decide the opening / closing time of establishment. Women would be permitted to work during night shift provided adequate safety and security provisions. The model Bill once adopted by States is likely to boost job opportunities, without compromising on salaries, social protection and safety to the workers, he said.
The Minister said that the social security Agreement between BRICS nations is an urgent need. For example, if an Indian goes to Russia , then he should get social security there too. As of now, with 19 Countries, Employee Provident Fund Organization has the agreement but not with BRICS. Dattaraya said there is an urgent need for Research of Training on labor matters, like employment Generation with includes Growth, Decent work, Capacity Buildup & their exchange between BRICS nations. He requested to move to ILO to Share the Best Practices elsewhere available in other countries on Labor matters apart from sharing the same with BRICS Countries. Speaking on the occasion, Shankar Aggarwal said that creating job at every level will the main concern of the government. The BRICS nations have 45 per cent share in the world economy. He informed that the meeting has achieved consensus on declaration. (NSS)