New labour codes key to Viksit Bharat push, says UP minister

Uttar Pradesh Labour and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar on Sunday said the Centre’s four new Labour Codes are a “historic” move that will support India’s march towards Viksit Bharat 2047 by strengthening the workforce and reducing the compliance load on industries.

Addressing a press conference, Rajbhar said, “The four new Labour Codes issued by the Central government mark a long-awaited and historic step towards simplifying India’s labour ecosystem and strengthening its workforce for the future.”

“I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister. The country had been demanding such reforms for a long time,” he said.

Rajbhar said that 29 existing labour laws have been consolidated into four simplified Labour Codes to ensure “transparency, efficiency and ease of compliance”. According to him, the overhaul will significantly reduce the compliance burden on industries.

He said empowering the workforce is essential for realising the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.

The minister said the new-generation labour reforms aim to boost economic growth, self-reliance, workers’ welfare, social security, ease of doing business, and ease of living, thereby strengthening India’s labour ecosystem in a modern global environment.

He added that a social security fund will be created to provide social protection to workers in both the organised and unorganised sectors. Provisions related to women’s empowerment, he said, will also play a crucial role.

On wage-related reforms, Rajbhar said the unified definition of wages under the code will eliminate confusion for both employers and employees.

He noted that these reforms were finalised after extensive consultations with employee unions and their representatives. “We wholeheartedly welcome these reforms,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)