BT Buzz: PM Modi pushes for big labour reforms; 43 crore unorganised workers to benefit
The fact that Modi wanted Santosh Gangwar to continue in the labour and employment ministry only proves the importance the government attaches to his 'reform agenda'.
- Jun 3, 2019,
- Updated Jun 3, 2019 7:03 PM IST
Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Labour Minister in the second prime minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has absolute clarity on the priorities of his ministry. "We will try to complete the labour reform agenda," said Gangwar immediately after assuming office on May 31.
Unlike several other ministers in the Modi 2.0 Cabinet, Gangwar is not new to his portfolio. He had been steering the 'labour reform agenda' since 2017 as minister of Labour and Employment (independent charge) in the previous Modi government too. The fact that Modi wanted Gangwar to continue in the same ministry only proves the importance the government attaches to this 'reform agenda'. The 'labour reform' plan is in line with recommendations of Second National Commission on Labour, which called for amalgamation, simplificaiton and rationalisation of existing laws by formulating four umbrella Labour Codes on (i) wages; (ii) industrial relations; (iii) social security & welfare; and (iv) occupational safety, health and working conditions.
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In the last 18 months, Gangwar has been silently bringing about lot of pro-labour changes. The bonus and gratuity got doubled during this period, the salary of anganwadi ASHA workers was doubled, minimum wages in central government increased to Rs 350 a day for unskilled workers, and many more.
Given Modi government's resolve to bring changes to lives of the masses, labour reforms are sure to continue. "We are very positive," says Narayanan.
Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Labour Minister in the second prime minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has absolute clarity on the priorities of his ministry. "We will try to complete the labour reform agenda," said Gangwar immediately after assuming office on May 31.
Unlike several other ministers in the Modi 2.0 Cabinet, Gangwar is not new to his portfolio. He had been steering the 'labour reform agenda' since 2017 as minister of Labour and Employment (independent charge) in the previous Modi government too. The fact that Modi wanted Gangwar to continue in the same ministry only proves the importance the government attaches to this 'reform agenda'. The 'labour reform' plan is in line with recommendations of Second National Commission on Labour, which called for amalgamation, simplificaiton and rationalisation of existing laws by formulating four umbrella Labour Codes on (i) wages; (ii) industrial relations; (iii) social security & welfare; and (iv) occupational safety, health and working conditions.
BT Buzz: How stock markets fared during Modi's tenure
In the last 18 months, Gangwar has been silently bringing about lot of pro-labour changes. The bonus and gratuity got doubled during this period, the salary of anganwadi ASHA workers was doubled, minimum wages in central government increased to Rs 350 a day for unskilled workers, and many more.
Given Modi government's resolve to bring changes to lives of the masses, labour reforms are sure to continue. "We are very positive," says Narayanan.