Bhubaneswar: A high-level national consultation meeting, chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, was held today to discuss comprehensive labour reforms aimed at improving the lives of India’s workforce.
Odisha’s delegation, led by Labour and ESI Minister Sri Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, along with Principal Secretary Smt. Chithra Arumugam and Labour Commissioner Sri Indramani Tripathy, expressed strong support for the proposed reforms.
Sri Singhkhuntia welcomed the initiatives, stating they would be of immense benefit to the “real labourers” who are the bedrock of the nation’s progress. He stressed the importance of ensuring these reforms reach workers at the grassroots level, in both rural and urban areas.
The meeting, which saw active participation from state delegations, including a key contingent from Odisha, focused on creating a sound, inclusive, and transparent regulatory framework to achieve the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
In his address, Dr. Mandaviya underscored the Central Government’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that good governance, and by extension, a robust and worker-centric regulatory system, is the foundation for a developed India by the centenary of independence.
The Union Minister highlighted that the ongoing reforms are a collaborative effort between the Central and State Governments, recognizing the country’s labour force as the “true nation builders.”
The meeting explored a proposal for a single registration process for establishments, which would significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance ease of compliance for businesses.
Proposals to extend the validity period of licenses and enable automatic renewals were also a central part of the discussion, with a focus on streamlining processes without compromising worker protections.
Dr. Mandaviya placed a strong emphasis on the need to increase female participation in the workforce. He advocated for inclusive policies and the creation of safe working environments to encourage more women to join the labour force.
The mandatory issuance of appointment letters was a key point of discussion. This measure is intended to formalize employment relationships, ensuring that all workers are fully aware of their rights and entitlements.
Leveraging India’s digital public infrastructure was another central theme. The Minister highlighted platforms like the National Career Service (NCS) and e-Shram as vital tools for employment and social security.
He proposed the principle of “once covered, always covered” for insured workers, which would guarantee continuous social security benefits regardless of job transitions.
The meeting addressed legal reforms, including the compounding of offences under Section 14 and introducing new provisions to rationalize penalties. The goal is to encourage compliance through reform-oriented measures rather than punitive actions.
The meeting concluded with a call from Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya for all states and union territories to contribute their reform ideas promptly.
He reiterated that successful implementation of these transformative changes would require equal and active participation from all levels of government—Union, State, and local administrations.