Letters: Flexible labour laws

This refers to the editorial "Not quite enough" (October 17). It is true that the existing labour laws are outdated and overlapping. These laws pertain to a socialist era where executive power overcame meaningful market growth and the quality of product was compromised in industry. The distance between the management and labour was substantial with functioning being mundane. And aggressive trade union activity hampered production. Meanwhile, government policy today lays stress on qualitative production to meet global standards and compete in international markets.

Additionally, a computerised environment should increase efficiency of labour rather than reduce its numerical strength. It should also minimise the distance between labour and management, thus ensuring more cohesive functioning. Further, statutes should not be so punitive as to totally empower the executive. They should instead be flexible. The working environment is equally important for this purpose. This will prevent acrimonious disputes and ensure a harmonious working environment, which will make the "Make in India" policy a success.

C Gopinath Nair Bangalore

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