Shram Shakti Niti 2025: Reform or Empty Promises for Workers?
The draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025, introduced by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, aims to create a fair and inclusive work environment. Critics, however, argue that it fails to provide meaningful protection for workers. Trade unions such as AITUC and All India Bank Employees’ Association claim the draft bypassed essential consultations, weakens regulatory oversight, and does not ensure core worker rights like minimum wages, job security, and social security for informal and gig-economy workers. The policy’s ideological references, including mentions of the Manusmriti, have also raised concerns about its direction. While presented as a reform, many see the draft as inadequate, potentially allowing continued exploitation instead of genuinely safeguarding India’s workforce.
