Union Minister Inaugurates Key Regional Conference on Labour Codes in Vijayawada
Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, inaugurated a significant two-day Regional Conference of Labour & Employment and Industry Secretaries from various states and Union territories in Vijayawada on Tuesday. This event marks a crucial step in the nationwide rollout of the four new labour codes.
Third in Series of Five Regional Conferences
The Minister of State highlighted that this regional conference is the third in a planned series of five such meetings being held across different locations in India. The primary objective of these conferences is to address concerns and apprehensions among workers' unions regarding the four new labour codes. Additionally, they aim to facilitate the smooth and effective implementation of these codes, which officially came into force across the country on November 21, 2025.
Emphasis on State and UT Implementation
During her address at the conference, Shobha Karandlaje underscored the pivotal role that states and Union territories play in ensuring the timely and effective execution of the four labour codes. She described the consolidation of 29 Central labour laws into these four comprehensive codes as a historic and transformative reform. This consolidation was achieved after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including multiple rounds of discussions with state governments, employers, and representatives of workers.
Aligning Labour Regulation with Modern Work Environments
Karandlaje emphasized the necessity of aligning labour regulations with the evolving dynamics of the contemporary work environment. She stated that the new codes are designed to promote transparency, simplify compliance procedures, and enhance worker welfare through a balanced and technology-driven governance framework.
On this occasion, the Minister drew attention to several key progressive provisions within the codes:
- Uniform definitions across various labour aspects
- Implementation of web-based inspections
- Decriminalisation of minor offences
- Enhanced participation of women in the workforce
- Provisions enabling work-from-home arrangements
- Extension of social security benefits to gig, platform, and unorganised workers for the first time
Reflecting Cooperative Federalism
Labour Minister Vasamsetty Subhash also addressed the conference, stating that the Labour Codes represent a significant reform that embodies the spirit of cooperative federalism between the Central government and the States. He expressed confidence that the deliberations conducted during this conference, along with previous regional consultations, would significantly contribute to strengthening the implementation process of the Codes.
Wide Participation from Southern States and UTs
The conference witnessed participation from senior officials of the labour departments representing Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Puducherry, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort required for the successful adoption of the new labour framework across diverse regions.
