Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, said the government's approach to economic growth is centred on balancing the interests of the poor, farmers, industry, and labour — stressing that industry and workers must move together for India's long-term development. Speaking in Mumbai, Mandaviya reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to a growth model that is simultaneously industry-friendly and labour-centric.

What Mandaviya Said

Addressing the Special Plenary VII on Next-Gen Labour Reforms at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Mandaviya was direct about the government's dual mandate. "Our government is pro-poor and pro-farmer, but it is also an industry-friendly government," he said.

"It is important that we move forward by being both pro-industry and pro-labour. Industry and labour must be intertwined, moving together towards a shared future," the minister added. He underlined that sustainable economic progress can only be achieved when industries thrive alongside the workforce that powers them.

The Viksit Bharat Vision

The summit's discussions also touched on India's broader ambition of becoming a developed economy under the Viksit Bharat framework. Speakers highlighted the evolving role of India's workforce as a central pillar in that transition, connecting labour reform to the country's long-term competitiveness.

Chandrajit Banerjee, speaking during another session, argued that the rising purchasing power of India's working class could become a significant driver of domestic demand and manufacturing growth. "The improving purchasing power of the Indian working class has the potential to drive domestic consumption, which, in turn, will boost manufacturing and help make India Viksit and Atma Nirbhar," Banerjee said.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Uday Kotak, former president of CII and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, offered a note of measured ambition, acknowledging India's strong growth trajectory while cautioning against complacency. "India's growth journey over the last few decades has been remarkable, but this is also the time to remain ambitious, disciplined and prepared for future challenges," Kotak said.

Other industry leaders at the summit echoed the importance of preparing India for the next phase of economic transformation amid shifting global dynamics, including supply chain realignments and evolving trade partnerships.

Why This Matters

The remarks come at a time when India is navigating a delicate balance between attracting foreign and domestic investment and protecting the interests of a vast informal workforce. Labour reform has historically been a contentious area, with industry bodies pushing for greater flexibility and trade unions demanding stronger worker protections. Mandaviya's framing — that the two need not be in conflict — signals the Centre's intent to pursue a consensus-driven reform agenda ahead of what is expected to be a busy legislative calendar.

The CII Annual Business Summit 2026 is expected to produce a set of policy recommendations on next-generation labour reforms that will be submitted to the government in the coming weeks.