RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh: ‘Govt talks with stakeholders on two labour codes inadequate … they must take this more seriously’
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), affiliated with the RSS, has criticized the government for not holding meaningful talks with stakeholders over two key labour codes. The union said the government needs to take the process more seriously, especially with the codes nearing implementation.
This rare public criticism from a pro-government group signals growing unrest among worker organizations.
BMS Flags Gaps in Labour Dialogue
The BMS raised concerns about the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code and the Code on Social Security. These are two of the four labour codes the government plans to implement soon. BMS leaders said the meetings held so far lacked depth and did not reflect the seriousness of the issue.
“Workers were barely heard,” said BMS General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay. “The government must stop treating these talks as a mere formality. These codes affect millions of people. Real consultation is needed.”
Understanding the Labour Codes
The government introduced four major labour codes in 2019 and 2020 to simplify 29 existing laws. These include:
- Code on Wages
- Industrial Relations Code
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code
- Code on Social Security
Officials claim these changes will simplify rules, help businesses comply easily, and create more jobs. But many unions argue the new laws weaken worker rights and give more power to employers.
Though Parliament passed the codes, they haven’t been enforced yet. The Centre and states are still drafting rules. Many expected the rollout this year, but criticism from trade unions may cause delays.
Why BMS’s Statement Matters
The BMS rarely speaks out against the BJP-led government. As an RSS-backed union, it usually works closely with the ruling party. So, when the BMS raises red flags, it shows deeper problems in the process.
Labour experts see this as a strong signal. “When even BMS is unhappy, it means many voices are being ignored,” said a senior economist who tracks labour reforms.
Workers Feel Ignored
Worker groups have long said the government is not involving them enough in key decisions. They believe real discussions aren’t happening. BMS claims that the so-called consultations were just a formality.
Unions also argue that the new codes reduce protections. For example, the Code on Social Security includes gig and platform workers, but doesn’t explain how benefits will reach them. There’s also no clarity on who will pay or enforce it.
Enforcement Worries and Centralized Control
BMS also fears that the new laws put too much power in the Centre’s hands. Upadhyay warned that weak enforcement would hurt those in the unorganized sector the most. “Without strong rules and proper checks, workers will be left to fend for themselves,” he said.
The union wants more clarity on contract workers, stronger inspection systems, and better support for state-level departments that will carry out these reforms.
BMS Calls for Real Talks, Not Just Meetings
The BMS asked the government to start fresh discussions with all stakeholders. It said the Centre should give unions more time to study the rules and offer feedback.
Other unions — like AITUC, CITU, and INTUC — have voiced similar concerns. They have been opposing the codes for months. Now, BMS joining them adds more pressure on the government.
What’s Next for the Labour Codes?
The Labour Ministry has not responded to the BMS’s recent remarks. Officials in the past said they are holding discussions and taking all views seriously. Still, no clear timeline has been shared for rolling out the new rules.
Businesses and workers alike are waiting. Companies want simpler laws. Workers want their rights protected. The government must now balance both sides.
Conclusion: A Call for Inclusive Reform
The BMS has made its stance clear — reforms that ignore workers will not work. It wants the government to stop pushing these laws without proper debate.
Labour laws shape how people live and work. They must reflect fairness, safety, and dignity. As BMS joins the demand for deeper talks, the government has a choice: move ahead without listening, or rebuild trust by engaging workers honestly.
For labour reforms to succeed, all voices must be heard — not just the powerful ones.
