India to Host 12th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad – Emphasis on Social Protection, Women’s Workforce Inclusion and Digital Labour Policies

Overview India, as the 2026 chair of BRICS , will host the 12th Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) in Hyderabad on 15‑16 July 2026. The meeting is a flagship event of India’s BRICS chairmanship and will be chaired by Union Minister for Labour & Employment Shri Mansukh Mandaviya . The agenda centres on four priority areas: social protection, women’s workforce participation, skills development and digital technologies for workers. Key Developments The meeting follows the 3rd Employment Working Group (EWG) held in Hyderabad on 13‑14 July 2026, where best practices were exchanged. Four priority themes were identified: advancing social security and formalisation of labour markets , enhancing women’s participation , cooperation on employability and skills mapping , and leveraging digital technologies for all workers, including gig and platform workers . A draft declaration was prepared by the Working Group and will be placed before the Ministers for adoption. The meeting aims to produce practical, replicable policy tools for inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across BRICS nations. Important Facts • Date: 15‑16 July 2026 . • Venue: Hyderabad, India . • Chair: Shri Mansukh Mandaviya , Union Minister for Labour & Employment. • Theme of India’s BRICS chairship: “ Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability ”. UPSC Relevance The event touches upon several GS‑3 topics: social protection , formalisation of labour markets , gender equity in employment, skill development strategies, and the rise of gig and platform workers . Understanding these themes helps answer questions on labour reforms, inclusive growth, and India’s role in multilateral forums. Way Forward • Finalise and adopt the draft declaration at the LEMM. • Translate best‑practice examples into national policies, especially in social security expansion and skill‑mapping platforms. • Strengthen cooperation on digital public infrastructure to protect gig workers across borders. • Monitor implementation through a joint BRICS monitoring mechanism to ensure outcomes are measurable and replicable.