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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
India flags concerns on ILO's biological hazard pact for informal sector
India has cautioned the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that the 'universal' coverage envisaged under the recently adopted convention on protecting workers from the devastating impact of uncontrolled biological hazards in the workplace may be challenging—particularly for the informal sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). India also expressed concern about the applicability of the convention beyond the workplace setting. "We understand the importance of labour safety, but it is also important to ensure that the definitions of the proposed instrument are not so broad that they apply beyond the workplace setting. The [Convention's] universal coverage approach may be challenging, particularly for informal sectors and MSMEs," said Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his address at the International Labour Conference (ILC). Virat Jaiswal, general secretary of the National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU), said the government is concerned that the definitions used in the instrument are too broad, potentially resulting in its application outside the workplace and leading to over-regulation. Last week, during the annual ILC in Geneva, the United Nations body adopted the Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention—the first-ever international instrument specifically addressing biological hazards in the workplace at a global level. The convention aims to safeguard workers who may come into contact with microbes, DNA material, bodily fluids, parasites, toxins, allergens and other biological agents during the course of their work. It applies to all workers in all branches of economic activity but requires countries to take specific measures in high-risk sectors and occupations. B Surendran, organising secretary of the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), said the need for such a convention was reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions globally, disrupted economies and crippled health systems. 'A lot of people contracted COVID-19 at the workplace. Hence, the convention sets out mechanisms and frameworks to deal with such eventualities. It has always been important to address biological hazards in workplaces, but now it's becoming even more critical,' he added. The ILO's 187 member states—equally represented by governments, employers and trade unions in the ILC—are now required to ratify the convention.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
UN adopts convention on workplace biological hazards
GENEVA: The first convention on protecting workers from the devastating impact of uncontrolled biological hazards was adopted at the United Nations on Friday. The Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention was adopted by the UN's International Labour Organization . The ILO's 187 member states are equally represented by governments, employers and trade unions. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NHS Pros Are Obsessed with This £49 Footwear Secret showbizinsider Undo The text was adopted to applause at the annual International Labour Conference. There were 406 votes in favour, 12 against and 13 abstentions. The adoption "marks a historic step forward in global labour standards, addressing a long-standing gap in international legislation", said conference president Edgar Moyo, Zimbabwe's labour minister. Live Events "These instruments provide a comprehensive framework to prevent and manage biological risks across all sectors and occupations. "They reaffirm the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment and reflect a shared global commitment to safeguarding workers from invisible and evolving threats." - What does the convention say? - The convention constitutes the first international instrument specifically addressing biological hazards in the working environment at the global level. It provides a definition of hazards, prevention and protection measures, and establishes obligations for employers and rights and duties for workers. The convention applies to all workers in all branches of economic activity, but requires countries to take specific measures in certain high-risk sectors and occupations. It requires employers to establish procedures to deal with emergencies. What is it aimed at? The Covid-19 pandemic killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems, highlighting the potential of biological hazards. Other diseases like bird flu, mpox and Ebola have also caused major international concern. But exposure to the viruses that cause contagious diseases is just one of many biological hazard situations that workers might face. In workplaces like hospitals and laboratories, cattle farms, grain silos, sewage facilities and in waste collection, workers may be exposed to a range of biological hazards, says the ILO. These include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, DNA material, bodily fluids, and other microorganisms, allergens and toxins. What are the dangers? The convention lists biological hazards, and is accompanied by a second text, a "recommendation", which provides further details. Hazards can be of plant, animal or human origin. The text concerns all irritants, allergens and toxins of animal or plant origin, including venom but not pollen, that could bring about reactions or toxicity upon exposure. Why is it important? Frameworks should in place before an outbreak, said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, head of the ILO's occupational safety, health and environment branch. "Many things are changing, namely due to climate change," he told reporters, with some diseases transmitted by insects seeing their geographical reach expanding, like dengue. "It was always important to address biological hazards in workplaces, but now it's becoming a bit more critical," he said. Many countries will have to adapt their legislation to better protect workers from these risks, especially given that increased human and freight mobility accelerates the spread. "You just need one case that if it's not properly identified and traced, and if there is no preventive mechanism already installed, then the situation can aggravate quite quickly," Pintado Nunes explained. Protection for whistle-blowers The convention requires countries to have procedures for reporting workplace accidents, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences caused by exposure to biological hazards in the workplace -- and to investigate "serious cases". Countries must also implement "confidential access for workers and their representatives" to reporting mechanisms, and ensure those who report breaches are "protected against retaliation".
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP begins week-long drive against child labour
Lucknow: Marking the 'World Day against child labour', state labour minister Anil Rajbhar said that a week-long campaign against child labour will be held in the state from June 12-19. The 'Child labour prohibition week' will feature various programmes to reinforce the need for the complete eradication of child labour in the state. The govt has partnered with UNICEF to implement this programme. Rajbhar made this announcement from Geneva in Switzerland, where he is currently attending the International Labour Conference organised by the International Labour Organisation. The minister addressed a session on child labour, where he spoke about the efforts being made by the UP govt to crack down on child labour and appealed to factory owners to pledge that they would not employ children. Among initiatives taken by the UP govt, the minister spoke about the Atal residential schools, operational in 17 divisions in the state, especially for children of labourers. He urged the global community to adopt this innovative model from UP and establish similar schools worldwide to prevent children from following their parents into the field. He further said that over the past 11 years, the Indian govt achieved remarkable success in expanding social security coverage, a crucial step in ensuring that families were not forced to push their children into work. India's social security coverage grew from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, the minister claimed, adding that with over 94 crore citizens covered, India now ranks second globally in social security coverage. The minister said that currently, around 80 lakh individuals are engaged in the gig and platform economy in India, a number projected to rise to approximately 2.4-2.5 crore by 2030. "Their social security needs must be recognised and addressed. The UP labour and employment department has already begun identifying the specific needs of these workers and is actively developing strategies and frameworks to support them," he said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India's Social Security Coverage Increased By 64% In 10 Years: Centre
New Delhi: India has achieved a milestone in the realm of social protection coverage, recording one of the most significant expansions globally. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) ILOSTAT database, India's social security coverage has increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge over the past decade. While holding a bilateral discussion with the Director General, ILO, Gilbert F Houngbo on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC), Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the pro-poor and labour welfare schemes undertaken by the Modi Government over the past 11 years. According to an official release, Union Minister also apprised DG ILO about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise that has been carried out by the Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, a release said. Recognising these efforts, ILO acknowledged India's achievement and officially published on its dashboard that 64.3 per cent of India's population, i.e. over 94 crore people, are now covered under at least one social protection benefit. In 2015, this figure was just 19 per cent. In terms of beneficiary count, India now ranks second in the world, providing social protection to around 94 crore citizens. DG ILO praised India's focused welfare policies for the poor and labour class under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. ILO's Criteria for Scheme Consideration for each country include that the scheme should be legislatively backed, in cash and be active, and verified time series data of the last three years has to be provided. Speaking from Geneva, Mandaviya said, "This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the relentless efforts of the Government in building an inclusive and rights-based social protection ecosystem. The increase marks the fastest expansion in social protection coverage worldwide, reflecting the Government's unwavering commitment to 'Antyodaya', i.e. empowering the last mile and fulfilling the promise of leaving no one behind". The release said it is important to note that the present figure reflects only Phase I of the data pooling exercise. "This phase focused on beneficiary data of Central sector schemes and women-centric schemes in the selected 8 States. With Phase II and further consolidation underway, it is expected that India's total social protection coverage will soon surpass the 100-crore mark upon verification of additional schemes by the ILO," the release said. India is also the first country globally to update its 2025 social protection coverage data in the ILOSTAT database, reinforcing its leadership in digital governance and transparency in welfare systems. The release said that increase in Social Protection Coverage will further strengthen India's global engagements, particularly in finalising Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed nations. These agreements will ensure the portability of social protection benefits for Indian professionals working overseas, while offering partner countries the transparency required for mutual recognition frameworks. This will further bolster India's position in trade and labour mobility negotiations by showcasing a credible and robust social protection regime, the release said. Mandaviya is leading an Indian delegation to Geneva, Switzerland, from June 10 to 12 to participate in the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the ILO.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Phenomenal achievement under PM Modi's leadership," says Assam CM as social protection soars to 64.3 per cent
Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 12 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a 'phenomenal achievement' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, as India's social protection coverage for the poor rose from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, according to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation. In a post on X, Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote,'This is a phenomenal achievement by Bharat under Adarniya Shri@narendramodiJi's stellar vision.' 'In the last 10 years, social protection coverage, i.e., protecting the poor from unforeseen events has surged to 64.3% from 19%, reaffirming the Govt's pro-poor commitment,' the post reads. India has achieved a milestone in the realm of social protection coverage, recording one of the most significant expansions globally. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) ILOSTAT database, India's social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge over the past decade. While holding a bilateral discussion with the Director General, ILO, Gilbert F Houngbo on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC), Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the pro-poor and labour welfare schemes undertaken by the Modi Government over the past 11 years. According to an official release, Union Minister also apprised DG ILO about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise that has been carried out by the Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, a release said. Recognising these efforts, ILO acknowledged India's achievement and officially published on its dashboard that 64.3 per cent of India's population, i.e. over 94 crore people, are now covered under at least one social protection benefit. In 2015, this figure was just 19 per cent. In terms of beneficiary count, India now ranks second in the world, providing social protection to around 94 crore citizens. DG ILO praised India's focused welfare policies for the poor and labour class under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. (ANI)
