Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya today said that harmonious industrial relations and close coordination among the government, industry, employers, employees and trade unions are essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and employment generation.
Delivering the keynote address at the 4th Global Industrial Relations Summit organised by FICCI in association with All India Organisation of Employers and International Labour Organisation in New Delhi, he said industrial relations must evolve with changing technologies and global practices while maintaining a balance between industrial growth and workers’ welfare.
He said the government’s labour reforms aim to protect workers’ rights, strengthen social security and create an enabling environment for industries to generate quality employment.
The Minister highlighted India’s changing employment landscape and said self-employment models, such as Gujarat’s women-led milk cooperatives, have played a vital role in strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Mandaviya said the government’s development strategy has strengthened employment generation alongside economic growth through tax reforms, increased purchasing power and higher manufacturing activity.
He noted that the new Labour Codes and reforms in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation have simplified compliance, improved portability of benefits through the Universal Account Number, and made pension and provident fund services more accessible through digital platforms.
He said these reforms reflect the government’s commitment to modernising labour administration while safeguarding the interests of both employers and employees.
