Mandaviya at ILO: 'Universal' coverage may be a challenge

India has cautioned the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that the "universal coverage" envisaged under the recently-adopted convention on protecting workers from the devastating impact of uncontrolled biological hazards at workplace may be challenging, particularly for informal sector and micro & small enterprises (MSMEs).

- SHIVA RAJORA

Besides this, India also expressed its concern about applicability of the convention beyond the workplace setting. "We understand the importance of labour safety, but it is also important to ensure that the definitions of the proposed instrument are not so broad that they apply beyond the workplace setting. The (convention's) universal coverage approach may be challenging, particularly for informal sectors and MSMEs," said Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his address at the International Labour Conference (ILC).