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Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation

eval_number:

2743

eval_url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/eval/2743

lessons_learned:

themes:

theme:

Government - capacity building

category:

Constituents

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comments:

The target users of these lessons and recommendations are policymakers, government officials, and decision-makers involved in industrial governance and regulation, particularly those responsible for DIFE and its operations. The beneficiaries are the private industrial establishments themselves, as well as the workers and communities affected by these establishments. By improving DIFE's capacity and enforcement capabilities, the aim is to ensure safer working conditions, better compliance with regulations, and overall improvement in the industrial sector's impact on society.

challenges:

Limited capacity and resources: The expansion of the private sector has outpaced DIFE's capacity to effectively regulate and monitor all establishments. Insufficient resources, including a shortage of inspectors, contribute to this challenge. Legislative constraints: The current legislative landscape may prevent DIFE from applying meaningful sanctions for non-compliance, undermining the organization's enforcement capabilities. Technological barriers: Digitization and effective inspection procedures may face challenges in implementation due to technological barriers, lack of infrastructure, or resistance to change.

success:

Capacity enhancement: Increasing DIFE's capacity, particularly through the adoption of digitization and effective inspection procedures, can improve monitoring efforts despite limited human resources. Risk-based approach: Prioritizing inspections based on risk and vulnerability allows for better allocation of limited resources, focusing efforts where they are most needed. Strengthened enforcement capabilities: By addressing the challenges related to legislative constraints and implementing measures to strengthen enforcement capabilities, DIFE can enhance its ability to ensure compliance and apply meaningful sanctions. Technical proficiency development: By investing in the technical proficiency of DIFE inspectors, the organization can adapt to emerging sectors, effectively regulate new industries, and address evolving challenges.

context:

The private sector is growing in size and numbers. DIFE is also growing but not at that pace. The relationships of private sector with DIFE would need to evolve and become more conducive to industrial safety in diverse sectors of the country.

description:

Risk-profile based strategic inspections, digitalization, and stronger enforcement capabilities are likely to pave the way for DIFE to become more effective in the future. Although DIFE's capacity has increased recently, it's crucial to note that the private sector has expanded tremendously as well. In 2019 compared to 2006, there were 33% more private industrial establishments (BBS, 2020). By extending its capacity at the same rate as the sector, DIFE may still find it challenging to keep up with the industry's expansion and fulfill its labour inspection and other roles. Therefore, DIFE's limited capacity, notably in terms of the availability of inspectors, represents a continuing concern. While future efforts to increase DIFE's capacity should still be made, there is a need to concentrate on making the most use of the current resources. Even with limited human resources, it is possible to increase the monitoring system by adopting strategic inspections guided by risk profiling and digitalization. The DIFE should prioritize inspections based on the degree of risk and vulnerability rather than on the industry's size. However, given the current legislative landscape, DIFE is unable to apply meaningful sanctions for non-compliance. Therefore, future initiatives should also focus on strengthening DIFE's enforcement capabilities. To make this work, future efforts should focus on strengthening the technical and digital proficiency of DIFE inspectors.

administrative_issues:

-

url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/lessons/232436

---

location:

country:

Bangladesh

region:

Asia and the Pacific

---

eval_title:

Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation