The Ministry of Labour & Employment has announced a nationwide awareness campaign called “Shram Samvad” to educate workers and employers about India’s new Labour Codes. The campaign will reach industrial clusters across 316 districts in all 36 States and Union Territories over the next 90 days, Union Minister for Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said while inaugurating the National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour & Awards 2026 in New Delhi.
Key facts
- Campaign name: “Shram Samvad” (meaning dialogue on labour)
- Coverage: 316 districts across all 36 States and Union Territories
- Duration: 90 days from the announcement date
- Focus: Industrial clusters in these districts
- Context: India’s social security coverage has expanded from 19% of population in 2015 to 68% (101 crore people) as of now, according to the International Labour Organisation
- Employment growth: In 2017-23, every 1% economic growth translated to 1.11% employment growth, compared to 0.008% in earlier periods
- GDP growth: India’s current GDP growth stands at 7.8%
What are the Labour Codes
India implemented four new Labour Codes in 2020 to consolidate and simplify 44 existing labour laws into one comprehensive framework. These codes cover wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety and health. The “Shram Samvad” campaign aims to ensure that both workers and employers understand their rights and obligations under these new codes.
Why this campaign matters now
Dr. Mandaviya emphasised that India’s labour ecosystem needs to evolve with changing economic realities and technological advancement. He highlighted the emergence of Artificial Intelligence and automation as transformative forces in the workplace. The government has announced that one crore (10 million) youth will be trained in AI skills over the next year, following the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address in 2026. The campaign is intended to help workers and employers navigate the transition to this new era of work.
Key message: Industry and labour must partner
The minister called for a shift in thinking where pro-industry policies are no longer seen as anti-worker, and vice-versa. He urged both industry and workers to act as partners in building the nation rather than adversaries. He also stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and consultation among all stakeholders for stronger industrial relations. “Wherever there is Samvaad [dialogue], there is Samadhan [solution],” Dr. Mandaviya said, emphasising that shared best practices foster harmonious workplace relations.
Social security expansion
The Labour Ministry has significantly expanded social security coverage. Between 2015 and now, coverage rose from 19% of India’s population to 68%, or 101 crore people. This expansion reflects government efforts to bring more workers, especially in the informal economy, under the umbrella of social security schemes such as pensions, health insurance and unemployment benefits.
Employment growth acceleration
The release highlights improved employment outcomes in recent years. During 2017-23, the economy’s growth was matched by employment growth at a ratio of 1:1.11, meaning every 1% increase in GDP generated 1.11% increase in jobs. This is a significant improvement compared to earlier periods when the ratio was just 1:0.008, indicating that economic growth previously did not translate into proportional job creation.
What this means for you
If you work in an industrial cluster in any of India’s 316 covered districts, you can expect outreach activities and training sessions on your rights and obligations under the new Labour Codes. Employers in these areas will also receive guidance on complying with the codes. The campaign aims to clarify provisions related to wages, working hours, social security benefits, industrial disputes and workplace safety. Workers can use this opportunity to understand protections available to them, while employers can learn about compliance requirements and best practices.
What happens next
The Ministry of Labour & Employment will conduct the 90-day “Shram Samvad” campaign across the 316 districts starting immediately. During the same conference, the ministry also released an “Employer’s Guide Under New Labour Codes Framework: Fixed-Term Employment in India” to help businesses understand how to structure temporary employment relationships under the new legal framework.