Attorney General of India inaugurates Program on Labour Law Reforms

New Delhi, September 11: A high-level program on “Labour Law Reforms in India – Navigating a Way Forward Against the Headwinds” was inaugurated in the national capital on Wednesday by the Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was organised by Rightmen Services India, an HR consulting and training company, and witnessed the participation of policymakers, corporate leaders, academicians, researchers, and trade union representatives.

The inaugural session was also attended by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, and K.P. Mahadevaswamy, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD, NBCC, as Guests of Honour. Welcoming the dignitaries, Shri Alok Kumar, Director, Rightmen Services & Managing Partner, THS – The Law Firm, underlined the importance of open dialogue on the challenges delaying the implementation of the four new Labour Codes enacted in 2019 and 2020.

In his address, the Attorney General stressed the need to balance dignity and progress while reflecting on the ideological foundations of India’s labour laws. Dr. Manoj Kumar highlighted the extensive consultations and transparency that marked the drafting process of the codes and called for enhanced capacity building in states to ensure smooth implementation. Shri Mahadevaswamy emphasized the pivotal role of Public Sector Enterprises in ensuring effective enforcement of labour laws to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders.

The day-long deliberations featured three technical sessions, chaired by Shri Ayush Gupta (Director-HR, GAIL India), Shri A.K. Sharma (Director-Personnel, SJVN Ltd.), and Shri R.P. Singh (Director-HR & Legal, IFFCO). Speakers from industry, academia, and trade unions debated the urgency of implementing the Labour Codes to unlock long-term economic growth.

Trade unions expressed differing views: BMS representatives supported immediate implementation of the Code on Wages and Code on Social Security while suggesting a review of the other two Codes, whereas AITUC representatives demanded a comprehensive review of all four Codes. Despite these divergences, a broad consensus emerged on the need for a practical action plan that balances stakeholder concerns with national economic priorities.

The program drew enthusiastic participation from Maharatna and Navratna PSUs including Powergrid Corporation, GAIL India, REC, HAL, SJVN, NHPC, NBCC, BEML, CONCOR, and CEL, along with leading public sector banks such as Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank. Cooperatives like IFFCO and Indian Potash also joined the deliberations, underscoring the wide stakeholder engagement.

The event was curated by Shri Vinod Behari, CEO, Rightmen Services India, who extended a formal vote of thanks to the dignitaries, participants, and partners, marking the conclusion of a day that reinforced the urgency of labour law reforms in India.