bodies which discuss compliance of members states with their international obligations. We have had a number of discussions in the last year on issues of bonded labour, equal pay and labour inspection. We have discussions around important issues which are pointing that there is room to make progress in [ensuring] full compliance in some areas. There are issues of concerns but through dialogues we are working towards improving the situation and that is really what I want to highlight. At the same time, the recent law reforms without social dialogue is of concern and certainly the ILO would encourage reactivating strong social dialogue in the design of all the crisis measures and measures to support business in these really di cult times. As much as support to business is required, it is equally important that workers are protected from falling into severe poverty during this period. NMS: Even as the world reels under the economic constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, India has entered into a recession. What are the measures that India should take to ensure the implementation of workers’ rights? CV: For the ILO, the advice to all members state has been that the crisis response should be based on four pillars. First, to stimulate your economy and the employment. Second, support your enterprise jobs and incomes. Third, protect the workers in their workplace and fourth, rely on social dialogue for resolution. These are really the four pillars on which the ILO is advising the members states to build their crisis response. NMS: Has there been any follow up or update on the communication between the ILO director general and the Indian government? CV: There was no dialogue, at least to my knowledge on these issues. At that time, the letter was sent we observed in the press that the reforms got suspended [in some of the states] for a while.