Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Fifth Regional Conference on Labour Codes in New Delhi

The Ministry of Labour & Employment commenced the fifth Two-day Regional Conference with States/UTs on Labour Codes and other aspects at the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Headquarters in New Delhi yesterday. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, inaugurated the conference and delivered the keynote address at the event.

Ms. Vandana Gurnani, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Senior Officers of the Ministry, representatives of the participating States/UTs  including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Delhi, along with senior officials of EPFO, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), VV Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) were also present on the occasion.

Union Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in his inaugural address, emphasised that in India’s federal framework, the Centre and States are equal partners and must work together in advancing labour reforms. He stated that a need had long been felt for comprehensive reforms in the country’s labour landscape to align it with the aspirations of a rapidly transforming economy. The four Labour Codes were enacted in 2019 and 2020 with the objective of aligning India’s labour ecosystem with international best practices, global benchmarks and the guidelines of organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), he said. The Minister noted that following the Codes being brought into effect on 21st November 2025, they have been welcomed by both workers and industry alike. He further added that India’s reform efforts have received recognition from key international organisations such as the ILO and International Social Security Association (ISSA), and have also been lauded by leading global publications including The Economist and The Financial Times, which acknowledged the Codes’ provisions for strengthening security for workers and building a modern workforce with safer, more permanent employment.

Highlighting the significance of the Regional Conference as a platform for synergy between the Centre and States/UTs, the Minister said it enables convergence of views and sharing of best practices for effective implementation of the Codes. He urged States to seek handholding support from the Centre wherever required, particularly in building robust IT infrastructure, and called upon them to provide inputs for strengthening the e-Shram portal to optimise delivery of benefits to unorganised workers across the country. He further underlined the importance of Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Yojana (PMVBY) as an initiative to empower both small enterprises as well as employees, and encouraged the Central Labour Commissioners structure and state labour department to work closely for coordinated implementation.

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the tremendous potential of the North-Eastern States in driving industrial growth, expanding manufacturing and encouraging employment generation, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Act East". Expressing confidence that the two-day deliberations would further strengthen Centre–State collaboration, he conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Conference and reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, enhanced worker welfare and ease of doing business.