India must reskill workforce continuously as AI transforms labour market: Mandaviya

The Union Labour & Employment Minister stressed the need for a future-ready industrial relations system that prioritises continuous upskilling alongside productivity gains, worker safety and meaningful participation in the workplace.

Speaking at the National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Monday, Mandaviya highlighted AI and emerging technologies as transformative forces requiring proactive policy responses. He emphasised that meaningful social dialogue between employers and workers becomes increasingly critical as new technologies reshape work environments across sectors.

Mandaviya underscored the role of India's four Labour Codes in establishing a modern, pro-growth regulatory framework that reduces compliance burdens for industry while strengthening worker protections. He also called for expanding social security coverage beyond the formal sector, advocating for an inclusive labour ecosystem that extends benefits to unorganised workers who comprise a significant portion of India's workforce.

The minister's remarks reflect growing government attention to the intersection of technological disruption and employment security as India positions itself as a global AI hub. The call for tripartite cooperation among government, industry and workers underscores the administration's push for balanced labour market reforms amid rapid technological change.