New Delhi (ILO News) - In tune with the world wide celebrations on the theme of “90 years – working for social justice”, India celebrated the 90th anniversary of International Labour Organization (ILO) on a pleasant spring morning on 4 February 2010. ILO’s tripartite partners – Government of India, Employers’ and Workers’ organizations came together at the event, presided over by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Government of India, Mr Mallikarjun Kharge. Mr N.M. Adyanthaya, Worker Member, ILO Governing Body; Mr Y.K. Modi, Employer Member, ILO Governing Body; Minister of State, Labour and Employment Mr Harish Rawat, Labour Ministers from of eight states (provinces) governments, a bevy of leaders from Employers’ and Workers’ organizations, Heads of UN agencies, donors, academia and civil society organizations were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

In his special message of greetings on the occasion, the ILO Director-General, Mr Juan Somavia highlighted the shared values and commonality of approach between India and ILO. He recalled the contribution of Indian stalwarts in advancing the ideals of the organization. He reiterated the ILO’s commitment to promote Decent Work and expressed his delight that India’s 11th 5 year plan “stresses the basic objective of the Decent Work Agenda”.

Commencing with the lighting of ceremonial lamp, the programme opened with a curtain raiser film encapsulating ILO’s journey of 90 years. High lights of the programme included release of

• ILO-90 special postal cover by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Department of Posts, Government of India;
• Souvenir booklet - 90th Anniversary Celebration of the ILO;
• Compilation of Indian Labour Ministers Speeches at ILC (1994 – 2009); and
• Compilation of Speeches by Worker, Employer and Government delegates at the ILC (1995 – 2009).

Lauding the achievements of ILO in the course of last nine decades, Minister Kharge said that it played a significant role in the world of work and achieved several milestones and has been able to gear itself to meet the new challenges and work towards bringing stability in the global economy. The Minister recalled that India has been one of the founder members of ILO and over the years, the mutual relationship has been very meaningful. He pointed out that the philosophy of ILO and the fundamentals of Indian Constitution have much in common – as both strive for the progress of society based on equity and justice.

Mr Kharge said that the legislative enactments in India have gained a lot from the concepts of ILO and similarly, the thoughts shared by Indian Statesmen and Delegates at the International Labour Conference over the years have contributed a lot in giving direction to the programmes of ILO.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State Mr Harish Rawat said that India and ILO have an enduring and vibrant relationship- marked by close and dynamic cooperation over the years.

Mr N.M. Adyanthaya, Worker Members, ILO Governing body opined that ILO’s tripartism “is a source of strength and capability that derives from the close connection with the on-ground reality in the world of work”. He complimented India on making “ important strides in several critical areas…..of prime concerns of the ILO”.

Striking a celebratory note employer Member, Mr Y.K. Modi said “this is also a moment to weigh its past achievements against future challenges and suggest necessary course corrections to impart it more relevance on the days to come”.

At the express request of social partners, a thematic panel discussion “Nine Decades of ILO – Retrospect and the Way Forward” was held post lunch. The session was chaired by Mr P.C. Chaturvedi., Secretary, Labour & Employment, Government of India and moderated by noted economist, Mr J. Krishnamurty. Panelists comprised of three speakers each from the Employers’ and Workers’ groups and two from the Government of India. Main thrust of the discussion centered around the theme “Our Shared Heritage and Our Common Future”.