Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the present government has given real protection of rights to workers” – Labour Minister Anil Vij

“Congress ignored workers and protected the interests of big industrialists” – Anil Vij

“Now every worker will get an employment letter, PF–ESI benefits and guaranteed minimum wages” – Vij

Chandigarh, November 23 – Haryana Labour Minister Anil Vij said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the present government has introduced historic and wide-ranging reforms in labour laws, benefitting crores of workers across the country. Every worker will now receive an employment letter, a Provident Fund (PF) account, ESIC health facilities, and legal guarantee of minimum wages.

Sh. Vij was responding to questions asked by the media persons today.

Congress governments ignored workers as they mingled only with big industrialists – Vij

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Sh. Vij said that during Congress rule, the labour class was consistently neglected because Congress leaders “spent their time with big industrialists” and paid no attention to the problems of ordinary workers. He added that “Congress never cared about the common man. Look at their old photographs—you will only find big industrialists around them, not labourers.”

A nation progresses when relations between workers and industrialists are harmonious – Vij

Sh. Vij stated that the foundation of any nation’s growth lies in the cordial relationship between workers and industrialists. Many labour-related laws in India were outdated and framed during the British era, making reforms essential. The Modi government has abolished these outdated provisions and introduced practical, modern, and worker-friendly laws.

With special safety provisions, women will now be allowed to work night shifts – Vij

He explained that earlier, women were not permitted to work night shifts due to old legal restrictions, limiting their employment opportunities. The new law allows women to work night shifts under specified safety and facility conditions. Sh.Vij called this a significant step towards equal opportunities and economic empowerment for women.

“Equal work–equal pay principle implemented”

Sh. Vij said that earlier, workers faced discrimination regarding wages, working hours, and other rights. Now, the principle of ‘equal work–equal pay’ has been implemented, providing direct benefits to millions of workers. He further stated that the central government has mandated that every employee—whether in an industry or a shop—must be issued an employment letter. This ensures job stability, legal protection, and clear entitlement to worker benefits. He described this as a “fundamental right” of every worker.

Vij’s allegation: “Congress is anti-worker and pro-industrialist”

When asked what Congress did for workers during its rule, Sh.Vij sharply responded that “Congress has always been a party of big industrialists. They never thought about the welfare of ordinary workers. Their priority has always been wealthy businessmen, not labourers.”


It is noteworthy that the Government of India, through a historic and forward-looking decision, has announced that the four new Labour Codes—the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Social Security Code, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020—is come into effect from 21 November 2025. With the implementation of these codes, 29 existing and scattered labour laws across the country will be streamlined and rationalized.

This step by the government not only makes labour laws modern, transparent and worker-friendly, but also aligns them with rapidly evolving work environments and industrial needs. These reforms will ensure stronger protection of workers’ rights, while providing industries with a stable, flexible and business-friendly ecosystem.

With the enforcement of these labour codes, India will move towards building a future-ready workforce capable of meeting the demands of a changing global economy. At the same time, this landmark initiative will give fresh momentum and strength to labour reforms, further advancing the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

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