Shri Mallikarjun Kharge reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Non-aligned Movement addressing a meeting of NAM countries on the sidelines of the International labour Conference at Geneva

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister of Labour and Employment, called upon the Non Aligned countries to develop new linkages and relationships with the multilateral organizations such as the International labour Organisation ILO so as to play a more critical role in labour governance. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Non-aligned Movement. The Minister was addressing a meeting of NAM countries on employment and recovery on the sidelines of the International labour Conference being held at Geneva. Shri Kharge mentioned that the meeting is being held at a time when the world is faced with an uncertain economic environment. On one hand there are signs and hopes of recovery from the effects of economic crisis while on the other hand the situation in the world of employment is not very encouraging. The recent financial market turmoil in some parts of Europe indicates that the financial market is still fragile and a sustained recovery in economic sector is still a far cry. Such an uncertain economic environment has far reaching implications for us in the developing world affecting both formal and informal sectors of our economy particularly since a significant proportion of the workforce belongs to the vulnerable category of workers. These vulnerable groups are the worst victims in any crisis and in the prevailing economic uncertainty. 

He mentioned that India recognises the remarkable progress made by ILO in promoting fairness and dignity at work for men and women and social justice for all. The ILO Global Jobs Pact and Social Justice Declaration sums up the aspirations of the world of work in the changing circumstances and environment. 

In the emerging scenario, NAM must continue to play a positive role and strive for inclusive growth. The situation calls for a common strategy from the Non-aligned Movement to deal with these situations. NAM must also develop new linkages and relationships with the multilateral organizations such as the ILO so as to play a critical role in labour governance that is commensurate with its size and population. 

Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Kharge reiterated the imperative of co-operation among Non-aligned and other developing countries, both in our interaction with the industrialized countries in the United Nations and multilateral fora, as well as for fostering South-South Cooperation. In the current climate of the global economic and financial crisis, such cooperation becomes all the more important. 

Shri Kharge emphasized the need for efforts by NAM countries towards improving the functioning of the Governing Body and International Labour Conference. There is a need for rationalising the agenda of Governing Body to enhance coherence and avoid duplication. He reiterated the need to improve the working methods of the Committee on Application of Standards so as to make them more transparent and democratic. The committee needs to strike a balance on the issues it addresses, both in terms of the standards it focuses on as well as the countries it applies them to. Instilling transparency in its operations will no doubt enhance the credibility of such supervisory bodies. In this regard, the committee should also take into account the various institutional mechanisms and the judicial redressals available in the country while formulating its opinion on the merits of any case. 

Shri Kharge emphasized the need for strengthening South-South Cooperation in the area of employment generation for exchange of experiences, enhancement of national capacities, strengthening of regulatory systems and development of human resources. 
Source : http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=62539