Current govt is pro-poor, pro-farmer and industry-friendly: Mansukh Mandaviya
Mumbai, May 12
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said the government's approach towards economic growth is focused on balancing the interests of the poor, farmers, industry and labour, while stressing that industry and workers must move together for India's long-term development.
Speaking at the Special Plenary VII on Next-Gen Labour Reforms during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here, Mandaviya said the government is committed to creating a growth model that is both industry-friendly and labour-centric.
"Our government is pro-poor and pro-farmer, but it is also an industry-friendly government," he said.
"It is important that we move forward by being both pro-industry and pro-labour. Industry and labour must be intertwined, moving together towards a shared future," the minister added.
Mandaviya highlighted the need for collaborative growth between businesses and workers, saying sustainable economic progress can only happen when industries thrive alongside the workforce that powers them.
The discussion at the summit also focused on the evolving role of India's workforce and the country's ambition of becoming a developed economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Speaking during another session, Chandrajit Banerjee said the increasing purchasing power of India's working class could become a major driver of domestic demand and manufacturing growth.
"The improving purchasing power of the Indian working class has the potential to drive domestic consumption, which, in turn, will boost manufacturing and help make India Viksit and Atma Nirbhar," Banerjee said.
Industry leaders at the summit also underlined the importance of preparing India for the next phase of economic transformation amid changing global dynamics.
Uday Kotak, former president of CII and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, said India's growth story over the last few decades has been remarkable, but warned that the country must remain ambitious and adaptable to future challenges.
"India's growth journey over the last few decades has been remarkable, but this is also the time to remain ambitious, disciplined and prepared for future challenges," Kotak said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in manufacturing, I can say the PLI schemes and labour reforms have genuinely simplified compliance. Earlier we used to spend days just on paperwork. Now we can focus on production and skilling. But the real test will be whether small and medium industries also benefit, not just the large corporates.
The vision of Viksit Bharat sounds promising, but ground reality for daily wage workers hasn't changed much. My father is a construction labourer and still doesn't have proper social security. Hope this "pro-labour" talk translates into actual ESI and PF benefits for the unorganized sector. Actions speak louder than summit speeches!
Interesting perspective from Chandrajit Banerjee about purchasing power driving manufacturing. I've seen this work in China and Vietnam. But India needs to fix the education-skills gap first. If our working class is going to drive consumption, they need stable, well-paying jobs - not gig economy contracts with no benefits.
Finally someone addressing the industry-labour balance! As a small business owner, I've seen how rigid labour laws hurt both employers and workers. The new codes are a step forward - flexibility for hiring, better safety for workers. But we need more investment in skilling. The youth need jobs that match their aspirations, not just any job. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Uday Kotak's warning about remaining "ambitious and adaptable" is spot on. We've seen how quickly global supply chains can shift. India can't afford complacency. But mandaviya ji needs to remember - being pro-industry doesn't mean
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.