India Labour and Employment Report 2014: Workers in the Era of Globalisation - Softcover

Institute For Human Development

9789332701205: India Labour and Employment Report 2014: Workers in the Era of Globalisation

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9332701202 ISBN 13: 9789332701205

Publisher: Academic Foundation, 2014

This report is the first of a series of biennial publications by the Institute for Human Development and the Indian Society of Labour Economics. It provides an overview of the labor market and employment outcomes that the Indian economy has delivered as it globalized. Rapid economic growth in India over the last quarter century has reduced extreme poverty and modestly improved the quality of life of a large segment of the population. However, large employment deficits remain: most jobs created are of poor quality and low productivity in the informal economy. Further, the gains from growth have been distributed unevenly. Growing inequalities and vulnerabilities have generated widespread insecurity of livelihoods and highlighted weaknesses in prevailing social protection systems. This report concludes that structural changes are slow and difficult, and the potential for equitable growth remains unrealized, hampered by policy inertia, resistance from social and economic interests and rigidities of existing systems and perspectives. The report assesses the gains and losses for labor in the first round of globalization and reveals many markers of progress as well as deep challenges. Effective, responsive, fair, and comprehensive labor and employment policy is vital for sustainable and inclusive development: this is the central message of this report.

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From the Author:

The Institute for Human Development is a leading center for studies on labor markets, livelihoods, and human development that aims to contribute to the building of a society that fosters and values an inclusive social, economic, and political system, free from poverty and deprivations. Toward achieving its goal, it engages in analytical and policy research, teaching and training, academic and policy debates, networking with other institutions and stakeholders, and publication and dissemination of the results of its activities.

Review:

“To understand labor worldwide, we must understand India, with its huge growing workforce, many self-employed or working in the informal sector. The India Labour and Employment Report offers an invaluable picture of the Indian labor scene. I learned much from this edition and look forward to future editions. Required reading for labor and development specialists. —Richard Freeman, Herbert Ascherman Professor of Economics, Harvard University

“Recent employment trends in India raise many momentous issues—the sluggish growth of real wages, the continued exclusion of women, and the limited reach of workers’ organizations, among others. This report will be of great value in bringing these issues closer to the center of attention in economic policy, public debates, and democratic politics.” —Jean Dr�ze, honorary professor, Delhi School of Economics

“The fact that most Indians still work in low-productivity occupations at very low incomes and lack access to social protection poses major challenges for the country’s development... By carefully disaggregating the diverse experience of working Indians, the report identifies areas for action that could make economic growth more inclusive and distribute opportunity more broadly.” —Sandra Polaski, deputy director general, International Labour Office, Geneva

“This excellent report presents comprehensive and well organized information on labor and employment in India, as well as a balanced discussion of achievements and policy challenges. It will prove essential reading for researchers and policymakers alike.” —Ravi Kanbur, professor of economics, Cornell University

“The India Labour and Employment Report is a landmark undertaking. It collects together diverse information on the state of Indian labor markets. . . . Its emphasis on the development of the manufacturing sector as being the key to economic development of the country is particularly welcome—as is the stress on inclusive growth. It’s a must-read addition to the literature on labour economics in the Indian context.” —Ajit Singh, professor emeritus of economics, University of Cambridge

“In presenting an updated review of the employment and labor market situation with clarity and analytical rigor this report will be invaluable to government, policymakers, and experts. It will facilitate in realizing the objective of high, sustainable and equitable growth which India has set for itself, for the creation of remunerative, productive and decent employment as the most effective means of achieving this goal.” —Rashid Amjad, director, Graduate Institute of Development Studies, Lahore School of Economics, and former chief economist, Pakistan Planning Commission

“Based on latest data, the India Labour and Employment Report succinctly brings out the emerging pattern of labor market outcomes and challenges of employment. Its emphasis on creating more employment in the organized sector and enhancing the productivity and income of workers in the unorganized sector will facilitate the gradual formalization of the workforce—a dire need of the country. The report will be very useful for all those concerned and engaged with the inclusive development agenda.” —Abhijit Sen, member, Planning Commission, government of India

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