Need to formalise unorganised sector in India: ILO Chief

Stressing on the need to focus on eradication of poverty in India, ILO Director General Guy Ryder today said the country needs to formalise its unorganised sector.
"India needs to integrate women in its workforce and there is a need for formalising the unorganised sector, which constitutes more than 90 per cent of the workforce," Ryder said at an industry event.
He added the issue of poverty also needed greater attention and that efforts need to be further strengthened to eradicate it.
Describing technology, differentiated demographic dividend, climate change and globalisation as mega drivers of change on the work front, he emphasised on the need for collective responses and solutions by stakeholders to adapt to the future of work.

The world of work was undergoing a major process of change. There were several forces transforming it. In order to understand and to respond effectively to these new challenges 'Future of Work' initiative was launched, he said.
This year all ILO members were invited to undertake national 'future of work' dialogues structured around four centenary conversations -- work and society, decent jobs for all, organization of work and production and governance of work, he added.

Ryder said the national dialogue has been stimulated in almost 130 member countries, including India.
"India is the fastest growing economy, largest democracy and the youngest nation, hence success of India in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would spell success for the world," he noted.

Labour Secretary Shankar Aggarwal the technology has disrupted the nature of work and is changing the nature of jobs, employees, enterprises and governance.
Government understands the importance of bringing poorest of the poor into the mainstream for sustainable growth, he said adding that there was a need to provide workers with decent jobs and an opportunity to live with dignity.