GOI, ILO Sign MoU to develop ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’

Current Context: On 16 September 2025, the Government of India (GOI) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

• It was signed by Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Geneva, and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director‑General (DG), ILO, in the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment (MoLE) and Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS).
• The MoU aims to develop an International Reference Classification of Occupations (IRCO) to align job roles with skills and qualifications.
• It will enhance comparability of occupational data, promote mutual recognition of skills, and support skills‑based migration pathways.
• Pilot studies will be conducted in the green sector, digital sector, and care sector. 
• India will fund a two‑year feasibility study (2025–2027) with the ILO to operationalise IRCO.

Question:

Q.1 On 16 September 2025, the Government of India signed an MoU with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in which city?
a) New Delhi
b) Geneva
c) Paris
d) Vienna

Answer: b) The MoU was signed in Geneva, Switzerland, where the ILO headquarters is located.