Balanced Labour Policy to Safeguard Interests of Workers and Industries: Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy
No Hasty Decisions on Labour Codes; Rules to Be Framed Only After Stakeholder Consultations
Hyderabad, July 7: Labour, Employment, Training, Factories, Mines & Geology Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy on Tuesday reaffirmed the Telangana Government’s commitment to adopting a balanced labour policy that protects the interests of both workers and industries. He said sustainable industrial growth and worker welfare are complementary, and that thriving industries create greater employment opportunities and improve the welfare of workers.
The Minister was speaking at a stakeholder consultation meeting on the Labour Codes held at the MCR HRD Institute in Hyderabad. The meeting deliberated on issues relating to labour courts, the framing of State rules under the Labour Codes, measures required to safeguard Telangana’s interests, and recommendations to be submitted to the Central Government.
Addressing representatives of industries and trade unions, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy stressed that industrial harmony can be achieved only through dialogue and consensus between employers and workers.
“When managements and workers engage in constructive discussions and arrive at reasonable solutions, industries flourish. A strong industrial ecosystem benefits workers through greater employment opportunities and improved welfare measures,” he said.
The Minister urged industry bodies and labour unions to share their views and suggestions on the Labour Codes without hesitation. At the same time, he emphasised that the interests of workers must remain at the centre of policy formulation. The government’s objective, he said, is to frame regulations that ensure balanced growth while protecting the rights of labour.
Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said the government is aligning its industrial and labour policies with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s vision of transforming Telangana into a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047. To support this goal, the government has been holding extensive consultations with industry associations to identify sector-specific skill requirements and prepare a future-ready workforce.
He said Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) being established across the State will equip youth with industry-relevant skills and ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower to industries.
The Minister also pointed out that the government had adopted the same consultative approach while revising minimum wages. The decision, he said, was taken only after extensive discussions with industry associations and other stakeholders. He noted that minimum wages had not been revised for nearly a decade, leading to long-pending demands from workers. The revised proposal, he added, strikes a balance between the legitimate expectations of workers and the practical concerns of industries. He thanked industry associations for extending their cooperation during the process.
Reiterating the government’s approach towards the Labour Codes, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy said there would be no hurried implementation.
“The government has no intention of rushing the implementation of the Labour Codes. Every provision will be discussed in detail. Stakeholders may also submit written suggestions on specific issues. We will hold further consultations and arrive at decisions that are acceptable to all,” he said.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to representatives of industrial organisations and trade unions for participating in the consultation and contributing valuable suggestions towards framing a balanced and inclusive labour policy for Telangana.
