Telangana Emerges as a Model in Labour Welfare

Workers Are the Backbone of the Global Economy: Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy at BRICS Trade Union Forum

HYDERABAD, July 15: Minister for Labour, Employment, Training & Factories, and Mines & Geology, Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy, participated in the session on “Best Tripartite Practices in BRICS+ Countries” at the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit 2026, held at the Marriott Hotel in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that workers are the backbone of the global economy, emphasising that every nation’s progress is built on the hard work, skill and dedication of its workforce. He stated that ensuring dignity of labour, fair wages, safe working conditions and comprehensive social security is the responsibility of every government.

Speaking during the session on “Best Tripartite Practices,” Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said Telangana’s collaborative model involving the government, employers and trade unions has emerged as a national benchmark. He noted that the Labour Department regularly engages with industries, employers and trade unions through structured consultations and constructive dialogue, enabling the amicable resolution of industrial disputes. This approach, he said, has helped maintain industrial peace, improve productivity and create an investment-friendly environment across the State.

The Minister observed that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and the digital economy has made the role of trade unions more important than ever. Beyond safeguarding workers’ rights, he said, trade unions must also become partners in skill development, productivity enhancement and preparing workers to adapt to technological transformation.

Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy emphasised that the Telangana Government accords equal priority to industrial growth and labour welfare. Through effective implementation of labour laws, digital governance, transparent public service delivery and harmonious employer-worker relations, the State is strengthening its industrial ecosystem and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Highlighting welfare measures for construction workers, he said the Telangana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board provides accident insurance, financial assistance, educational support and skill development programmes. He added that the government continues to take proactive measures to eliminate child labour and protect vulnerable sections of the workforce.

The Minister further noted that Telangana is among the first States in India to enact dedicated legislation for the welfare of gig and platform workers. The law provides a comprehensive framework for worker registration, social security benefits, welfare schemes and grievance redressal for those engaged through digital platforms.

To prepare a future-ready workforce, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said the State is establishing 120 Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) across Telangana. These centres will offer world-class training in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, healthcare, the care economy and other emerging sectors, equipping young people with industry-relevant skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

He added that under the Telangana Rising–2047 Vision, the State expects substantial investments across multiple sectors, and the ATCs will play a pivotal role in creating the skilled workforce required to support this growth.

Highlighting the achievements of the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM), the Minister said the government has facilitated safe and transparent overseas employment for nearly 14,000 youth in 16 countries. Through counselling, skill assessments, foreign language training, employer verification, visa facilitation and pre-departure orientation, TOMCOM has helped create international employment opportunities while effectively curbing illegal recruitment practices.

Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy also proposed enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations in areas such as mutual recognition of skills, ethical recruitment practices, portability of social security benefits and effective grievance redressal mechanisms for migrant workers, stating that such collaboration would significantly benefit workers across member countries.

The Minister reaffirmed the Telangana Government’s strong commitment to women’s economic empowerment. He said the State is implementing programmes that provide interest-free loans to women Self-Help Groups, skill development, livelihood opportunities and access to overseas employment. Through TOMCOM, women are being placed in international jobs, particularly in the nursing and caregiving sectors.

Referring to the International Labour Organization (ILO) principle that “lasting peace can be established only through social justice,” Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said Telangana is committed to translating this vision into practice. He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the BRICS Trade Union Forum would contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global labour welfare policies.

International delegates participating in the forum appreciated Telangana’s initiatives in labour welfare, skill development, overseas employment facilitation and its successful tripartite model of industrial relations, describing them as exemplary practices in progressive labour governance.

On behalf of the Telangana Government, the Minister felicitated trade union leaders and government representatives from BRICS nations and other participating countries with traditional shawls and commemorative mementoes. In a reciprocal gesture of goodwill, the international delegates honoured Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy with shawls and presented him with commemorative mementoes.