New Delhi, Nov 23 (NationPress) Sheo Prasad Tiwari, the National General Secretary of the Trade Union Co-ordination Committee (TUCC), labeled the newly introduced labour codes as momentous and long-awaited.

In a recent discussion with IANS, he highlighted critical features such as time-sensitive minimum wages, Equal Pay for women, permissions for night shifts, and enhanced social security for over 40 crore workers, in addition to double wages for overtime and complimentary health check-ups for individuals over 40 years of age.

Tiwari stated that these initiatives showcase the government’s explicit goal to bolster worker dignity, eradicate exploitation, and elevate India to meet global labour standards.

Here are some notable excerpts from the conversation:

IANS: Do you view the time-bound guarantee of minimum wages in the new labour laws as a groundbreaking initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Is this step indicative of a significant shift in the nation to eliminate labour exploitation?

Sheo Prasad Tiwari: This legislation is incredibly significant and historic in the context of India's labour landscape. It should have been enacted sooner. With its implementation, we wholeheartedly endorse it. It will enhance workers’ living conditions and assist in reducing exploitation.

IANS: With measures like Equal Pay for women, the cessation of gender bias, and the allowance for night shifts—do you think these reforms by PM Modi’s administration will greatly boost women’s involvement in the workforce?

Sheo Prasad Tiwari: Definitely. Just like in developed nations, women in India deserve equal rights. Young women are pursuing education, becoming engineers, and pilots—thus, Equal Pay and night shift permissions are essential and commendable reforms.

IANS: Extending social security to over 40 crore workers—do you see this as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to safeguarding every worker's safety and dignity in the nation?

Sheo Prasad Tiwari: The government’s intentions are unmistakable. Providing social security to nearly 44 crore workers—across both organised and unorganised sectors—is a significant initiative. This indeed reflects PM Modi’s commitment to safeguarding workers' interests.

IANS: The provisions for double wages for overtime and free health check-ups for workers above 40—do these features signify that the Modi government prioritizes workers’ dignity and quality of life?

Sheo Prasad Tiwari: Absolutely. This is a highly laudable step. Especially the provision for free health check-ups post-40 and double pay for overtime—these enhance both the dignity and safety of workers. Such facilities are rare globally, yet India has taken this significant stride.

IANS: The Modi government has termed the new labour codes as the dawn of a ‘new era of worker justice and dignity’. Do you believe these reforms will align India with—or surpass—Global Labour Standards?

Sheo Prasad Tiwari: Without a doubt. These reforms will radically transform India’s ‘World of Work’. Significant advancements will occur in both the manufacturing and unorganised sectors. I am confident that India will not only conform to Global Labour Standards but will, in several aspects, surpass them.