Why is Jairam Ramesh Criticizing the New Labour Codes?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has raised serious concerns about the newly implemented labour codes, claiming they simply repackage existing laws and neglect essential worker demands. This article delves into his arguments and the implications for India's workforce.
Key Takeaways
- Jairam Ramesh criticizes the new labour codes for lack of essential worker protections.
- The codes consolidate 29 existing laws without introducing significant reforms.
- Key demands include a national minimum wage of Rs 400 and urban employment guarantees.
- Concerns persist among trade unions regarding worker safeguards.
- Regional examples from Karnataka and Rajasthan showcase innovative labour reforms.
New Delhi, Nov 22 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday vehemently condemned the recently introduced labour codes, asserting that they merely consolidate 29 existing laws without addressing crucial worker requirements, such as a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day and an employment guarantee for urban areas.
He highlighted that the codes are missing fully notified rules, which hinders their complete enforcement, even though they are marketed as significant reforms.
India's labour landscape experienced its most comprehensive revision since Independence on November 21, when the government implemented the four labour codes.
These codes encompass wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety and health, replacing 29 outdated laws to form a unified legislative framework aimed at modernizing labour regulations.
While the government contends that the new structure simplifies compliance and enhances the ease of doing business, trade unions remain concerned about the potential erosion of worker protections.
In a post on X, Ramesh remarked, "29 existing labour laws have been restructured into 4 codes. This is being promoted as a revolutionary reform when the Rules are still not notified. But will these codes fulfill the 5 essential demands for Shramik Nyay for India’s workers?"
He enumerated the demands as a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day (including for MGNREGA), a Health law ensuring universal health coverage of Rs 25 lakh, an employment guarantee act for cities, comprehensive social security for all unorganised workers (including life and accident insurance), and a pledge to abolish contractual employment in core government roles.
Ramesh referred to the Congress' Shramik Nyay platform, which outlines five justice guarantees for workers, stressing that the new codes do not fulfill these commitments.
He also cited the gig worker welfare laws enacted in Congress-led Karnataka in 2025 and the prior framework introduced in Rajasthan in 2023 as examples of more progressive, worker-centric reforms that the Centre has overlooked.
"The Modi Government must learn from the examples set by the Congress Government in Karnataka and the previous Government in Rajasthan, who have pioneered labour reforms for the 21st century with their innovative gig worker laws that came before the new codes," he concluded.
Point of View
This content illustrates the ongoing debate surrounding labour reforms in India. It highlights the contrasting views of the government and trade unions, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that ensures worker rights while fostering economic growth.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main criticisms of the new labour codes?
The main criticisms include that they merely consolidate existing laws without addressing key worker demands, such as a national minimum wage and urban employment guarantees.
Who is Jairam Ramesh?
Jairam Ramesh is the General Secretary of the Congress party in India and a prominent political figure.
What are the demands listed by Jairam Ramesh?
The demands include a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, a right to health law, an employment guarantee for urban areas, full social security for unorganised workers, and an end to contractual employment in government functions.
What is the Shramik Nyay platform?
The Shramik Nyay platform is a set of five justice guarantees for workers proposed by the Congress party.
What reforms did Karnataka and Rajasthan introduce?
Karnataka introduced gig worker welfare laws in 2025, and Rajasthan enacted a similar framework in 2023, which are seen as progressive labour reforms.
