New Delhi: Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Friday asserted that the progress of India is “inseparable” from the welfare of its workers, framing ‘Shram Shakti’ (labour power) and ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power) as the twin pillars of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
Addressing a gathering of labour leaders and international delegates, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s social security framework.
Target 2026: Currently, approximately 940 million people are covered under various social security schemes. The government aims to push this figure to 1,000 million by 2026.
Educational Support: The Minister noted that ESIC hospitals and medical colleges now provide reservations for the children of workers, easing the financial burden on families aspiring for higher education for their wards.
Labour Codes and Industrial Harmony
The Minister underscored that the implementation of the new Labour Codes is a strategic move to create harmony between industry and the workforce.
Core Protections: Key features of the codes include mandatory appointment letters, annual health check-ups, and equal opportunities for both men and women.
Responsible Leadership: Dr. Mandaviya lauded the BMS and 15 other central trade unions for their “constructive leadership” in welcoming the codes and countering misinformation, prioritizing worker interest over organizational politics.
Wage Ceilings and Pension Reforms Under Review
In a significant development for salaried employees, the Minister confirmed that the government is carefully examining several representations submitted by the BMS. These include:
Enhancement of wage ceilings for both the EPFO and ESIC.
Finalizing decisions on floor wages.
Increasing the minimum pension under the EPS-95 scheme.
”Decisions on these matters will be taken in the coming days in the interest of workers,” Dr. Mandaviya assured the delegation.
The conference saw participation from high-ranking officials, including Sergei Chernogaev, Chairman of FNPR (Russia), and Yuki Otsuji of the ILO. The presence of global bodies like the ILO reinforces the international recognition of India’s strides in labour reform.
The Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to work in the spirit of ‘Nation First,’ ensuring that every worker is empowered to realize their full potential in the journey toward a developed India.