22-JULY-2025,02:36PM As the global workforce continues to face monumental shifts brought on by digital transformation, automation, and evolving employment models, India must proactively adjust its labour policies and frameworks to keep pace. This urgent call to action was recently highlighted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director, who emphasised the need for adaptive strategies that safeguard worker rights while embracing technological change.
During a recent international conference on labour reforms and employment trends,
India : Workforce in the Age of Disruption
India : Adapting to the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Ind, with its burgeoning population and tech-savvy youth, is uniquely positioned to harness the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the ILO Director pointed out that the rapid pace of automation, AI, and gig work models is outpacing existing regulatory structures
The transition to digital workplaces, hybrid roles, and freelance platforms has created a growing gap between traditional labour laws and modern work conditions, especially in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
India : Informal Sector Still Dominates India’s Employment Scene
India : Why Formalisation is Crucial
One of the biggest challenges for Ind is its informal sector, which employs nearly 90% of the workforce. These jobs often lack basic benefits such as minimum wage, healthcare, or job security. The ILO Director stressed that bridging this gap is essential for ensuring decent work for all.
He suggested that digitisation of employment records, wider coverage of social protection schemes, and skill development programs would be key in transitioning the informal economy towards formality.
India’s Policy Shift: Where Do We Stand?
Recent Labour Code Reforms
In response to the changing employment environment, Ind has already initiated the consolidation of its labour laws into four new Labour Codes—covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational health and safety. These codes aim to simplify and modernise regulations to benefit both workers and employers.
While this is a step in the right direction, the ILO Director noted that implementation remains inconsistent across states.
Gig Economy and Freelance Work in India
Protecting the New-Age Worker
The gig economy in Ind has exploded, especially with platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, and Upwork employing millions. But gig workers often lack basic protections.
The ILO Director praised India for pioneering some efforts in this space—such as states like Rajasthan and Karnataka proposing welfare boards for gig workers.
India’s Youth and the Skills Imperative
Bridging the Skill Gap
One of India’s greatest assets is its youth population. However, a major concern raised by the ILO is the growing mismatch between job requirements and educational outcomes.
To address this, the ILO Director proposed:
-
Scaling up vocational training programs
-
Increasing collaboration between industries and academia
-
Promoting continuous learning and digital literacy
Remote Work and Mental Health – A Growing Concern in India
Post-Pandemic Challenges in the Indian Work Culture
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered how work is done in Ind. Work-from-home became the norm for many industries, but it also led to challenges around mental health, productivity, and work-life balance.
Global Collaboration and Ind’s Leadership Role
Sharing Best Practices with the World
Given India’s emerging role as a global economic and digital powerhouse, the ILO Director encouraged the nation to lead by example in labour reforms and inclusive employment practices.
He urged Indian policymakers to work with international labour bodies and share successful models of:
-
Skill-building programs
-
Gender inclusion in the workforce
-
Public-private partnerships for employment generation
“As one of the largest democracies, Ind has both the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of work not just at home, but across developing economies,” he stated.
Conclusion
The evolving dynamics of the global workplace demand an equally dynamic response from policymakers, businesses, and civil society.
With sweeping demographic advantages, a vibrant startup culture, and ongoing economic reforms,
Source : ANI
