In News:

• India hosted the first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the Global Coalition for Social Justice in New Delhi (Feb 2025).
• Event coincided with the 74th Foundation Day of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), established in 1952.

Global Coalition for Social Justice (GCSJ)

• Launched by ILO in 2023, GCSJ aims to address social justice deficits globally, aligned with SDGs.
• Membership: Open to governments, businesses, academia; India is a key member.
• Promotes inclusive, sustainable development, responsible business conduct, and labor rights.
• India leads the Asia-Pacific Coordinating Group and spearheads responsible business initiatives.

India’s Achievements in Social Protection

• As per ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26:
  • India’s social protection coverage (excluding health) has doubled from 24.4% (2021) to 48.8% (2024).
  • India contributed 5% of the global increase in social protection coverage.
• Employability of Indian graduates rose from 33.95% (2013) to 54.81% (2024).

Key Government Initiatives

• e-Shram Mobile App launched to improve access to welfare schemes, curated job listings, and multilingual support.
• Focus on extending coverage to:
  • Informal sector (unorganized, gig, platform, construction, agricultural workers).
  • Women and youth, with targets like 70% female workforce participation by 2047.
• Emphasis on AI and the Future of Work, living wages, and Global Value Chains through the Decent Work Country Programme.

Constitutional Provisions Supporting Social Justice

Provision

Focus

Preamble

Social, economic, and political justice

Art. 23 & 24

Prohibit trafficking, forced and child labour

Art. 38

Reduce social and economic inequalities

Art. 39 & 39A

Fair wages, legal aid, livelihood opportunities

Art. 46

Promote education and welfare of weaker sections

About Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

• Statutory body under the ESI Act, 1948, Ministry of Labour& Employment.
• Eligibility: Employees earning ≤ ?21,000/month.
• Coverage: Establishments with ≥10 employees (or <10 in hazardous sectors).
• Benefits: Medical care, maternity, sickness, disability, dependent benefits, and unemployment allowance.

Significance of the Dialogue

• Platform for global best practices exchange from countries like Germany, Brazil, Australia, Philippines, and Namibia.
• Showcased India’s leadership in technology-driven social security, gender-responsive policies, and youth skilling.
• Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and CII-EFI signed a Joint Statement on Responsible Business Conduct.
• Publications released include:
  • Best Practices on Responsible Business Conduct
  • Compendium on Social Protection in India
  • Social Security for Informal Workers