The commitment to 70% female workforce participation by 2047 aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a developed, inclusive, and progressive nation on its 100th year of independence.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 70% female workforce participation by 2047. The government has introduced several measures, including extended maternity leave, creche facilities, and equal pay provisions to support women’s participation in the labor market.
G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025
Union Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra addressed the first G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025, held under the South African Presidency in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from February 18-21.
India’s Growing Role in High-Growth Sectors
Dawra highlighted India’s increasing participation of women in high-growth sectors such as IT, R&D, and engineering, recognizing it as a key driver of economic growth.
Indian Delegation at the G20 Meeting
The Indian delegation included Thelma John David, Consul General of India in Durban, and Piyush Kumar Pathak, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
Success of the e-Shram Portal and ESIC/EPFO Modernization
Dawra emphasized the success of the e-Shram portal, which has registered over 300 million unorganized workers. She also highlighted the modernization of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) schemes.
Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme was highlighted as a key initiative aimed at promoting formal sector employment and job creation.
Youth Empowerment and Skill Development
Dawra stressed the importance of youth empowerment through skill development programs. She noted that the employability of graduates has improved significantly, rising from 34% to 55% over the past decade.
India’s Global Engagement in Skills Mapping
India’s global engagement in skills mapping with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) was underscored. Bilateral agreements with major G20 countries have facilitated skilled labor mobility.
Expansion of Social Security in India
India’s commitment to social security was recognized, with coverage doubling from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, according to ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. Efforts to include in-kind benefits and state-level initiatives are expected to further expand coverage.
Labour Market Reforms and Job Creation
Dawra highlighted India’s major reforms aimed at job creation, labor market flexibility, and comprehensive social security, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic inclusion.
Strategic Sectoral Investments
India, as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, continues to strengthen its economic landscape through investments in agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, medical education, and infrastructure development.
Focus on Global Supply Chains and Export-Driven Employment
India’s focus on global supply chains and export-driven employment was emphasized, with key initiatives to enhance warehousing and air cargo facilities.
Declining Unemployment Rate and Labour Market Trends
Dawra noted India’s positive employment trends, including a decline in the unemployment rate from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio have also seen a significant rise.
Labour Market Modernization and Labour Codes
India’s labor market modernization was highlighted, particularly the implementation of four Labour Codes aimed at improving worker welfare, expanding social security—including for gig and platform workers—formalizing employment, and increasing female labor force participation.
Key Discussions at the G20 Employment Working Group Meeting
Discussions at the G20 meeting focused on two priority issues: inclusive growth and youth employment and social security and digitalization for an inclusive future of work.
Global Participation and Policy Approaches
The meeting saw interventions from G20 member countries, emphasizing their respective policy approaches to employment, social security, and skills development.
Contributions from Invited Member States and International Organizations
Invited member states, including the UAE, the Netherlands, and Norway, also shared insights on priority areas. The ILO and OECD presented global employment trends and best practices in labor market reforms.
Key Facts from the G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025
This table provides a concise summary of the key takeaways from the meeting.
| Female Workforce Participation Goal | India targets 70% female workforce participation by 2047 with maternity leave, creche facilities, and equal pay provisions. |
| G20 Employment Meeting | Held from Feb 18-21, 2025, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa under the South African Presidency. |
| India’s Delegation | Led by Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra, along with Thelma John David (Consul General, Durban) and Piyush Kumar Pathak (Labour Ministry). |
| Women in High-Growth Sectors | Increasing participation in IT, R&D, and engineering is a key driver of economic growth. |
| e-Shram Portal | Over 300 million unorganized workers registered, boosting formal employment tracking. |
| Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme | A key initiative to promote formal sector employment and job creation. |
| Graduate Employability | Improved from 34% in 2014 to 55% in 2024 due to skill development programs. |
| Social Security Expansion | Coverage doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, according to ILO’s Social Protection Report. |
| Labour Market Modernization | Implementing four Labour Codes to improve welfare, social security, and formalization of employment. |
| Unemployment Rate | Declined from 6% (2017-18) to 3.2% (2023-24). |
| Strategic Sector Investments | Focus on agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, medical education, and infrastructure to drive economic growth. |
| Export-Driven Employment | Enhancing global supply chains, warehousing, and air cargo facilities. |
| Global Skills Mapping | Collaborations with ILO, OECD, and bilateral agreements to facilitate skilled labor mobility. |
| Priority Issues Discussed | Inclusive growth & youth employment and social security & digitalization. |
| International Participation | Contributions from UAE, Netherlands, Norway, and presentations by ILO & OECD on global labor trends. |
Significance of 2047 in India’s Vision
The year 2047 is significant for India because it marks the 100th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. As a centenary milestone, the Indian government has set long-term national goals across various sectors, including economic growth, employment, infrastructure, sustainability, and social development.
- Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047:
- The Indian government has launched the Vision 2047 initiative to transform India into a developed economy by its centenary of independence.
- Economic Growth Targets:
- The goal is to make India a $30 trillion economy by 2047, with a strong industrial base, technological advancements, and a thriving services sector.
- Employment and Workforce Participation:
- The 70% female workforce participation goal aligns with broader efforts to create an inclusive and equitable economy by 2047.
- Social and Infrastructure Development:
- Plans for universal healthcare, quality education, clean energy, and smart cities are part of India’s long-term development roadmap.
- Global Leadership Aspirations:
- India aims to be a top global player in technology, innovation, space exploration, and diplomatic leadership by 2047.
(India CSR)
