Addressing the National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour, themed “Reengineering Industrial Relations and Workforce Participation in the Age of AI,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised that Industrial Relations must evolve into a partnership framework where industry growth and workers’ welfare reinforce each other. He underlined that Pro-Labour and Pro-Industry are not competing approaches—strong industries create investment, enterprises and jobs, while skilled, secure and productive workers strengthen competitiveness and productivity.

He highlighted the transformative potential of AI, automation and emerging technologies, stressing the need for continuous reskilling and a future-ready Industrial Relations system that balances productivity with workers’ skills, safety and participation. He called for meaningful social dialogue between employers and workers, particularly as new technologies reshape the world of work.

Highlighting the four Labour Codes, Dr. Mandaviya noted their role in creating a modern, pro-growth framework while simplifying compliance for industry and strengthening protections for workers. He also emphasised the importance of expanding social security coverage and building an inclusive labour ecosystem that reaches workers across the formal and unorganised sectors.

He called upon Government, industry, workers and other stakeholders to work together, develop best practices and build a stronger culture of partnership. Reiterating India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, he stressed that when workers’ dignity and industry’s growth advance together, economic growth and employment can move in tandem, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and a Viksit Bharat.