Over 200 policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across Asia and the Pacific participated, including ISSA member organizations, Indian ministries, state and union territory representatives, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations India, UN Women, the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

India’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the seminar and launched the book Social Protection in India: Glimpses of the Journey So Far, chronicling the evolution of social protection and welfare in India.

Key themes and discussions

Formalization strategies, digital transformation, gender equality, and data collection were key themes of the technical seminar. Experts shared insights, country experiences, and best practices to address challenges and innovations in extending social security coverage, and Indian initiatives were showcased.

Illustrative image (internet)

1. Formalization and social security coverage: The seminar explored pathways to expand coverage, with a strong emphasis on marginalized and vulnerable groups and the “missing middle” – those on low and middle incomes without access to adequate social security. Progress made by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) of India in advancing formalization and coverage was highlighted.  
2. Digital transformation: Highlighting the transformative role of technology, sessions focused on leveraging digital solutions, such as India's e-Shram Portal, to extend coverage and improve outreach strategies.
3. Gender equality and empowerment: Advancing gender-responsive social protection systems was an important theme, with presentations by UN Women and the ISSA  exploring tailored policies and systemic solutions to support the female workforce.
4. Data collection and reporting: Strengthening frameworks for accurate data collection, monitoring, and transparency was emphasized, including reporting mechanisms to effectively measure progress in social security coverage.

The ISSA Guidelines in the areas of coverage extension, contribution collection and compliance, and communication were highlighted as valuable resources for social security organizations.

Outcomes

The seminar facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences, enhancing the capacity of participants in extending social protection to informally employed workers. Collaborative pathways and innovative approaches to achieving universal social security and formalization were explored. The ISSA and the Liaison Office for South Asia will continue their work in this area, together with member organizations and through international collaboration, with the aim to ensure that no worker is left behind.