Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum (TUF) Summit 2026 in Hyderabad. He emphasized the need for a global order that prioritizes workers, ensuring that technological progress is guided by social justice and human dignity. Mandaviya highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive and equitable work environments under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” during its BRICS Presidency.
India’s social protection coverage has significantly increased, now reaching over 64.3% of the population in 2025, benefiting nearly 940 million people. The country has also witnessed the creation of around 170 million employment opportunities in the last decade. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana aims to generate 35 million formal sector jobs in the next two years through employment-linked incentives.
Mandaviya acknowledged the crucial role of trade unions in protecting workers’ rights, promoting industrial harmony, and ensuring economic progress aligns with social justice. He reiterated India’s commitment to balanced growth and workers’ welfare under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Union Minister also highlighted the government’s labor reforms, consolidating 29 labor laws into Four Labour Codes to enhance workers’ rights and simplify regulations.
India has leveraged digital infrastructure for labor governance, with initiatives like the e-Shram portal registering over 317 million unorganized workers. The National Career Service Portal has connected job seekers, employers, and training providers, facilitating employment opportunities. Mandaviya emphasized the significant reforms in social security institutions like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which have expanded coverage and improved service delivery.
The BRICS countries, representing a substantial portion of the global population and labor force, have vast potential for collaboration in areas such as social security, skill development, and AI governance. The summit, organized by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), aims to foster discussions on universal social security, responsible AI, skill development, and women’s role in the evolving work landscape.
