While addressing the National Conference of Labour Ministers of all states and Union territories via video conferencing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that in the past eight years, the government has taken the initiative to abolish the laws from the period of slavery that reflect the slavery mentality.
“The country is now changing, reforming, simplifying such labour laws… With this in mind, 29 labour laws have been converted into four simple labour codes. This will ensure the empowerment of workers via minimum wages, job security, social security, and health security,” he added. Union ministers Bhupender Yadav and Rameshwar Teli and labour ministers of states were present on the occasion.
The PM reiterated the need to change as per the changing scenario and emphasised the need to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution. In the light of platform and gig economy and online facilities, he stressed the need to be alive towards the emerging dimensions of work. “Right policies and efforts in this area will help in making India a global leader,” Modi said.
The PM said that the labour ministry is preparing its vision for the year 2047 in Amrit Kaal. He said that we can use systems like flexible workplaces as opportunities for women’s labour force participation. Recalling his address to the nation on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the PM added that “by making the right use of women’s power, India can achieve its goals faster”. He also emphasised the need to think in the direction of what can be done for women in the newly emerging sectors.
Emphasising that India’s labour force has a huge role to play in realising India’s dreams and aspirations to build a developed nation in the Amrit Kaal, he said that the country is working continuously for workers from the organised and unorganised sectors. Modi mentioned the various efforts by the government such as Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana that have given a security cover to workers.
“According to a study, the Emergency Credit Guarantee Scheme saved 1.5 crore jobs during the pandemic. We are seeing that just as the country supported its workers in their time of need, in the same way, the workers have put their full strength into recovering from this epidemic,” he said.
