Emphasising that the Narendra Modi government gives great importance to employment generation, union Minister of Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya said his ministry was strategising to bring employment to the core of the country's development.
"Employment generation is the first priority for government of India . . .
We are working on a comprehensive strategy to bring employment to the core of our development, " the minister said while addressing 105th session of International Labour Conference in Geneva on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued here, Dattatreya said that promoting industrial activity through 'Make in India', enhancing employability through 'Skill India' and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through 'Start up India' were a few examples of transformative initiative that the Modi government has taken in the last two years.
The minister also appreciated the work being carried out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and said that India has "productive relationship" with the organisation ever since it came into being.
"We appreciate the way the ILO has adopted itself to the emerging challenges and concerns in the world of work, " he said, adding that India understands its responsibility in the global order and was committed to work towards an equitable and inclusive society.
He said that social security for all continues to be at the heart of India's development goals.
The minister told the international gathering that India was committed to eradicate bonded labour and has escalated its rehabilitation of bonded labour scheme by increasing the quantum of financial assistance five times from Rs 20, 000 to minimum Rs 100, 000.
He said India looks forward to continued partnership with the ILO for promoting the objectives of decent work and sustainable development goals.