Doha, Qatar / New Delhi, 04 November 2025:
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the High-Level Round Table on the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. The event, attended by over 180 global dignitaries, highlighted India’s transformative approach to combining economic growth with social inclusion under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that “India has demonstrated that a nation can empower millions by merging digital innovation with financial inclusion.” He cited that India’s digital infrastructure now ensures seamless welfare delivery to over 1.4 billion citizens, reflecting a robust and inclusive development framework.
The Minister highlighted major achievements across the three pillars of social development—poverty eradication, employment, and social inclusion:
- 170 million new jobs created between 2016–17 and 2023–24
- Women’s employment participation doubled
- Unemployment rate declined from 6% to 3.2%
- Social protection coverage expanded from 19% (2015) to 64.3% (2025)
These milestones earned India the International Social Security Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security this year.
In bilateral meetings, Dr. Mandaviya engaged with the Minister of Labour, Mauritius, and Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, to enhance cooperation on skills development, labour mobility, and digital social protection frameworks. India also offered technical support in TVET and Digital Public Goods such as the e-Shram portal and National Career Service (NCS).
Reaffirming India’s commitment to regional collaboration, Dr. Mandaviya noted that 250 million citizens have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty through digital governance, direct benefit transfers, and targeted welfare programs.
The engagements at the Summit further positioned India as a global leader in inclusive and technology-driven social development, aligning with the goals of the Copenhagen Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
