India-ILO to jointly develop International Reference Classification of Occupations

India will collaborate with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to develop ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’, nearly two years after the G20 leaders under India’s presidency in 2023 committed to working towards regular and skills-based migration pathways.

India and the ILO signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect on Tuesday, the ministry of labour and employment said.

“The agreement will help Indian workers to seamlessly integrate into global labour markets,” it said.


“This initiative has the potential of not only enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian graduates but also positioning India as an international hub for high quality, future-ready education and skilling,” it added.

According to the statement, significant skill shortages are being faced by many countries due to demographic deficits and digitalization.

In order to fill these skill gaps, the G20 leaders during India's Presidency in 2023 committed to working towards ensuring well-managed, regular and skills-based migration pathways, it said, adding they endorsed the development of International Reference Classification of Occupations by skill and qualification requirements.

“The International Reference Classification will enhance comparability of data and promote mutual recognition of skills,” labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.

Minister Mandaviya stressed upon India’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation in order to enhance labour market efficiency and worker welfare through the National Career Service (NCS) portal and the e-Shram portal.

“These digital initiatives hold great potential for cross-learning and adaptation by other member states,” he said.

“The MoU provides a framework for undertaking a feasibility study and pilot exercise in crucial areas such as the green, digital, and care sectors,” labour and employment secretary Vandana Gurnani said, adding it presents an opportunity for wider collaboration in the future, benefitting the global workforce.