The Hindu Editorial Analysis
12 November 2025
Exploited Workers, a Labour Policy’s Empty Promises
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS Paper II: Government Policies & Implementation Issues | GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth, Labour Reforms, and Social Justice
Context
India’s informal labour sector — employing nearly 90% of its workforce — continues to suffer from exploitation, job insecurity, and lack of social protection.
The government’s flagship Shram Shakti Niti 2025, projected as a “future-ready” labour policy, aims to formalize the workforce and promote a “rights-driven” labour market. However, ground realities show a widening gap between promises and protection, particularly for daily-wage and gig workers.
The Crisis of Exploitation
- Thousands of workers in steel factories, quarries, and construction sites continue to be denied basic benefits like ESI, PF, and maternity relief.
- Labourers are often reclassified as “daily wage” workers, stripping them of permanent benefits promised during recruitment.
- This reflects the fragility of labour rights in India’s legal landscape, despite constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 16, 19, 21, and 23.
Policy Gaps in Shram Shakti Niti 2025
- Lack of Enforcement:
The policy promises audits, tripartite funding, and welfare schemes but offers no enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance. - Gig and Platform Workers Excluded:
Millions of gig workers remain outside the ambit of formal protections, with no clarity on wage, insurance, or occupational safety. - Digital Inclusion without Safeguards:
While the policy introduces digital systems for payroll and registration, it risks data surveillance and algorithmic bias under the Digital India framework. - Weak Occupational Safety Provisions:
Though the policy refers to the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, poor inspection systems and limited union participation render it ineffective.
Areas of Concern
- Gender and Caste Disparities: Persistent gaps in pay and unsafe conditions for women workers violate Articles 15(1) and 39(d).
- Union Suppression: Absence of collective bargaining rights leaves labourers vulnerable to exploitation.
- Declining Regulatory Oversight: Downsized labour inspectorates and privatized audits erode accountability.
Way Forward
- Reinforce Constitutional Mandates:
Uphold labour rights as a fundamental aspect of social justice, ensuring compliance with ILO conventions and constitutional provisions. - Strengthen Tripartite Framework:
Empower unions, employers, and government bodies to negotiate fair wages and safe work environments. - Ensure Digital Accountability:
Adopt transparent audit systems for digital platforms to prevent algorithmic exploitation. - Targeted Schemes for Informal Workers:
Expand universal social protection — health, insurance, maternity, and pension — to include all forms of employment.
Conclusion
The Shram Shakti Niti 2025 vision of a “rights-driven, future-ready” Bharat remains hollow unless backed by real accountability and enforcement.
“A digital dashboard cannot heal calloused hands. India’s workers need not promises, but justice — fair wages, dignity, and protection under the law.”