Opposition-ruled States insist on wider consultation on draft labour policy and codes

Overview The National Conference of Labour & Employment and Industry Ministers and Secretaries of States and the Union Territories took place in New Delhi on November 11, 2025 . Key issues discussed included the draft labour policy and the implementation of the four Labour Codes . The Union Government aimed to accelerate the implementation of key labour policies, decent employment generation, and social security initiatives. Key Developments Labour Policy and Codes Opposition-ruled States, such as Kerala , demanded wider consultation with States, trade unions, and other stakeholders before implementing the new draft labour policy and the four Labour Codes. These codes aim to consolidate and simplify existing labour laws. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event and highlighted the importance of the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) , with an outlay of nearly ₹1 lakh crore to create 3.5 crore jobs . He urged States to align their employment programs with this national mission. Kerala's Concerns Kerala Labour Minister V. Sivankutty demanded that the Centre consult all trade unions and States on the draft labour policy. He expressed reservations about implementing the four Labour Codes without wider consultations with workers and their representatives. He also highlighted Kerala's better labour practices, including minimum wages and a decent work environment for all workers. Digital Labour Chowk Mobile App Mr. Mandaviya launched a Digital Labour Chowk Mobile App to connect building and construction workers with employers. This app aims to provide a platform for transparent and efficient job matching, reducing dependence on middlemen. Labour Chowk Facilitation Centres (LCFCs) Presentations were made on the proposed Labour Chowk Facilitation Centres (LCFCs) , which will convert unsafe roadside gathering points of workers into structured hubs offering shelter, drinking water, sanitation, and access to welfare services. The Digital Labour Chowk mobile application complements this by connecting workers with employers digitally. Building and Construction Workers’ Cess The Centre proposed that the building and construction workers’ cess be collected online to augment welfare funds. A new portal was launched to provide a unified digital system for automatic cess calculation, online payment, and real-time monitoring. Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Act The meeting discussed the draft Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Act , which aims to establish uniform national standards to regulate the placement ecosystem, bringing transparency and accountability to both domestic and overseas recruitment. It includes the registration of all private placement agencies and a three-tier regulatory authority. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS Paper 2 (Government Policies & Interventions) and GS Paper 3 (Economy, Labour) . It highlights government initiatives and policy discussions related to labour reforms, employment generation, and social security. Key Areas for UPSC Preparation Labour Codes: Understand the objectives, provisions, and potential impact of the four Labour Codes. PMVBRY: Analyze the scheme's potential for employment generation and its alignment with national development goals. Digital Labour Chowk: Evaluate the role of technology in improving labour market efficiency and transparency. Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Act: Examine the need for regulation in the placement ecosystem and its potential benefits.