Partnership Between India and ILO to Advance ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’
SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Institution: Ministry of Labour & Employment
On 16 September 2025, the Government of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ILO to collaborate on developing an International Reference Classification of Occupations. The agreement, signed virtually by India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and the ILO Director General, aims to facilitate Indian youth’s access to global employment by enhancing skill comparability and mutual recognition across countries. It also responds to international skill shortages driven by demographic changes and digitalisation, in line with G20 commitments made during India’s 2023 presidency. The MoU will support feasibility studies and pilot exercises particularly in the green, digital, and care sectors. Additionally, India’s digital public goods like the NCS (National Career Service) and e-Shram portals were highlighted as tools to strengthen labour market efficiency and worker welfare.
This MoU offers India an opportunity to integrate its workforce into global value chains, improve labour mobility, and ensure skill standards align with international benchmarks. For policymakers, aligning domestic training, qualification, and recognition systems with this classification can enhance employability and competitiveness of Indian workers globally.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure the new classification is adopted in skill-certification, vocational training, and migration frameworks to deliver global employment benefits for youth?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2167195