India Targets 70% Female Workforce Participation by 2047

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Employment and Workforce Participation:
   • The 70% female workforce participation goal aligns with broader efforts to create an inclusive and equitable economy by 2047.
4. Social and Infrastructure Development:
   • Plans for universal healthcare, quality education, clean energy, and smart cities are part of India’s long-term development roadmap.
5. Global Leadership Aspirations:
   • India aims to be a top global player in technology, innovation, space exploration, and diplomatic leadership by 2047.

(India CSR)