Labour reforms may get going, finally

Favourable outcome in polls will give much-needed impetus to the willingness to undertake reforms

On Labour Day (May 1) last year, Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatreya wanted to create a feel good factor. He launched a programme of consolidating multiple provident fund accounts. He invoked BR Ambedkar to announce pro-worker steps like fixing a minimum wage and extending social security schemes to unorganised workers. However, Dattatreya was silent on the long-pending labour reforms. Refusing to bite the bullet, he said, “As a founding member of the ILO, India is committed to the principle of tripartism. The ministry has put in its best efforts to reach a consensus on all issues and