Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

1. The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s first and second reports. It notes in particular the extensive labour market analysis contained in the "Approach Paper to the 10th Five-Year Plan (2002-2007)," prepared by the Planning Commission and "Employment-Generating Growth", prepared by the Special Group on targeting ten million employment opportunities per year. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply detailed information on actual programmes and on their outcomes, including statistics wherever possible (Part I of the report form).

2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s employment policy is comprehensive and very well-integrated into the general economic and social development plan. It also notes that a process has been established to review and adjust policies. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the specific programmes implemented to carry out these polices, and disaggregated data to determine their impact on the target groups. The Committee also notes the numerous recommendations contained in the "Approach Paper" (page 56) and "Employment-Generating Growth" (Summary and Overview). It would also appreciate receiving further information on any follow-up measures taken in light of these recommendations and, in particular, specific information on the size of the labour force.

3. Article 1, paragraph 2(c). Please see under Convention No. 111. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would also include in its next report further information on the measures taken in order to respond to the employment needs of categories of persons having difficulties in finding lasting employment, such as women, young workers, disabled persons and older workers, and in particular members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

4. The Committee states in this regard that, despite the Government’s efforts at job promotion, only 8.34 per cent of workers are employed in the formal economy, of which public sector employment (5.77 per cent) accounts for the large majority. It also notes that the number of formal sector jobs is shrinking, while informal sector jobs often do not meet minimum standards. The Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts in this regard, and to keep it informed of trends in employment.

5. The Committee notes that the Government emphasizes education and training as a major means of achieving its goal of creating productive jobs. The Committee also notes the statement in the Approach Paper that "performance in the field of education is one of the most disappointing aspects of our development strategy". Only 60 per cent of school children aged 6-14 are enrolled in school. Specific targets for improvement include the goals of "All children in school by 2003", and "All children to complete five years of schooling by 2007". The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the measures taken to increase the school enrolment figures and data on the impact of such measures disaggregated by gender. It also requests information on measures taken to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

6. Article 3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in relation to the consultations held by the Ministry of Labour and other ministries in order to consult extensively with workers’ and employers’ organizations. The tripartite Planning Commission also gives its views on various aspects of employment promotion, and the Ministry of Labour may raise issues for discussion at the Tripartite Indian Labour Conference. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the outcome of these consultations on the matters covered by the Convention. Please also supply information on consultations with representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those working in the rural sector and the informal sector, who make up the vast majority of workers in India.