TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY
THE CONTEXT: The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), are actively recruiting around 10,000 workers for construction projects in Israel.
EXPLANATION:
- Described as a “passport to dreams abroad,” the initiative presents opportunities for roles such as plastering workers, ceramic tile workers, iron bending, and frame workers, offering monthly salaries around ₹1.37 lakh.
Opposition from Trade Unions: Legal and Ethical Standpoints
- Emigration Act Challenge: Trade unions, citing the Emigration Rules under the Emigration Act, oppose the recruitment initiative.
- They plan legal challenges, asserting that the move contradicts Indian values of not sending citizens to conflict zones.
- Political Allegations: Union leaders accuse the government of utilizing youth unemployment for political gain and fostering relations with Israel, a stance causing discontent.
Understanding Emigration Rules: Compliance and Criticism
- Emigration Act Regulations:
- Registration Requirements:
- Workers heading to conflict zones or areas lacking labor protections must register on the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal.
- However, Israel is not listed under the ECR scheme.
- Service Charges Limitation:
- The Emigration Act specifies a maximum service charge of ₹30,000, inclusive of domestic travel and lodging costs.
- The NSDC’s fee structure and additional expenses raise concerns among trade unions.
- Registration Requirements:
Government’s Perspective and International Labor Standards
- Security and Standards: The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson emphasizes India’s satisfaction with Israel’s stringent labor laws, asserting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of Indian workers abroad.
International Labor Standards: ILO Conventions and Migration Trends
- ILO Conventions: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) governs international practices for migrant worker protection, with Conventions No. 97 and No. 143. India has not ratified these conventions, while Israel ratified No. 97 in 1953.
- Migration Trends: A 2017 ILO report highlights a significant increase in international migration over the last two decades, particularly from Asia to the Arab states.
Challenges and Future Considerations: Global Employment Outlook
- Global Employment Outlook: ILO Report Insights:
- Unemployment Projection: The ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report projects a global increase in unemployment rates in 2024, urging countries to design effective migration policies and skill development initiatives to address evolving labor markets.
- Calls for Policy Development: Parliament Standing Committee Recommendations:
- Migration Policy Urgency: The Parliament Standing Committee on External Affairs recommended the development of a migration policy in 2019, emphasizing the need for robust institutional arrangements for the protection and welfare of Indian emigrants.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance
- The recruitment drive for workers bound for Israel reflects a complex interplay of economic opportunities, labor regulations, and ethical considerations.
- Policy Reevaluation: Calls for migration policy development and closer scrutiny of recruitment practices underscore the importance of a nuanced approach to ensure the welfare and rights of workers in an evolving global employment landscape.