A delegation from Japan has observed first-hand the impact of its work with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to eliminate child labour, expand formalization and advance gender equality in India.
Accompanied by Indian government officials, private sector representatives and trade unions, a four-day visit took place from 10 to 13 March 2026, and was led by Akiro Yoshida, Deputy Assistant Minister, International Affairs Division, and Yusuke Tsujikawa, Deputy Director of International Affairs Division of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan.
Following the site visit, Mr Yoshida expressed his sincere appreciation to the staff who had devoted their efforts to the project. He stressed that the success of these types of efforts depends on comprehensive understanding and cooperation from local governments and other stakeholders. He also conveyed his deep gratitude for the enhanced visibility of Japan achieved through the project's implementation.
Under two ILO Japan-funded initiatives - the Regional Child Labour Project for South Asia (PPLL) and the Promoting Rights and Social Inclusion through Organization and Formalization (PRS) Phase 2 project in India - the delegates visited mica supply chain workers in Ranchi and Koderma (Jharkhand State) as well as a women's care cooperative in Patna (Bihar State).
Eliminating child labour in mica supply chains
In Koderma - India's largest mica-producing district - the delegation engaged with home-based workers, most of them women, who clean and process raw mica. Through the ILO-supported Workers' Information Support Center (WISC), workers are gaining access to social protection, resolving grievances and strengthening their voice through union membership.
To protect children at risk of child labour, the PPLL project has partnered with civil society organizations to establish children's clubs that promote child rights, learning and awareness on child labour. Since 2024, children engaged in child labour have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into school.
Women leading economic transformation in Bihar
In Patna, the delegation met former domestic workers who, after receiving project-supported training in collaboration with the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), launched a women-run tiffin and home-cooked meal service. The group is in the process of registering as part of Bihar's first state-level women's cooperative.
Mr Deepak Anand, Secretary of the Labour Resources and Migrant Workers Welfare Department in Bihar, said: "Our collaboration with the ILO's PRS Project has strengthened efforts to ensure recognition, fair remuneration and protection for unorganised workers. Our partnerships with workers' and employers' organizations strengthened our coordination and brought tangible progress in advancing decent work and formalization in the State."
Michiko Miyamoto, Director, ILO Country Office for India, noted that the visit highlighted the strong collaboration between the ILO with the government and social partners at the national, state and local levels in India.
"By giving women access to knowledge and tools - better skills, social protection, finance, and collective solidarity among themselves - we put them at the centre of progress for creating sustainable livelihoods and communities," said Ms Miyamoto.
The PPLL project aims to prevent and eliminate child labour in critical mineral supply chains in Nepal and India. The project focuses on sectoral supply chains, strengthening law enforcement and enhancing public awareness.
The PRS Project builds on India's cooperative and collective models to strengthen women's economic participation. The Project has strengthened occupational safety, expanded access to grievance mechanisms and supported the formalization of unorganized workers. The project has also contributed to policy reforms in Bihar, including a 16.4 per cent increase in minimum wages for domestic workers and the establishment of a state helpline for unorganized workers.
