Bhubaneswar: Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said that the government places workers’ welfare, dignity, and security at the heart of its national development vision.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the All India Triennial Conference of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) in Puri.
Dr Mandaviya said he works for Shram Shakti and Yuva Shakti, which he described as the backbone of the country’s growth. He noted that these forces will play a key role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat.
He described BMS as the largest trade union in India and one of the biggest globally. He said the organisation has consistently worked for workers’ rights, justice, and empowerment, while supporting national development and economic growth.
The minister stressed that workers and industry hold equal importance for economic progress, according to an official statement. He said cooperation between the two remains essential for a strong and resilient economy. He added that the Labour Codes aim to maintain this balance by improving worker welfare and social security, while easing compliance for industries.
Dr Mandaviya appreciated BMS for supporting the Labour Codes and countering misinformation along with other central trade unions. He said this approach reflects responsible leadership that places workers’ interests above organisational priorities.
He highlighted key Labour Code provisions such as mandatory appointment letters, gender equality, and health check-ups for hazardous sector workers.
On social security, the minister said the government has steadily expanded coverage and strengthened institutional support. He cited the International Labour Organization’s announcement that around 940 million people in India now receive social security benefits. He said the government aims to extend this coverage to one billion people by 2026.
He also said ESIC hospitals and medical colleges now offer reservations for the children of workers in medical education. He noted that this step reduces financial pressure on families and supports higher education aspirations.
Dr Mandaviya said BMS has submitted representations on issues such as EPFO and ESIC wage ceilings, floor wages, and an increase in minimum pension under EPS-95. He assured that the government will examine these demands carefully and make decisions in the interest of workers in the coming days.
