NEW DELHI
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandviya sent a strong message to India’s business leaders, demanding better protection and timely pay for contractual workers.
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, the Minister warned that agencies failing to pay workers on time should be removed and face strict legal action.
Mandviya pointed out that many contractual employees face daily stress because their agencies delay salaries. He reminded the audience that every worker, regardless of their contract, deserves dignity and full pay. “If you have contractual workers, they must be paid on time,” he stated, urging companies to monitor their hiring agencies more closely to prevent labour tensions and unfair treatment.
Looking back at the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister recalled the hardships faced by migrant workers on the roads and at railway stations. To prevent such a crisis from happening again, he proposed a new partnership between the government and industries to manage future emergencies. He also announced that a new National Employment Policy will soon be shared with the public for feedback to help create more stable jobs.
The Minister highlighted that India’s greatest strength is its youth, with 65% of the population under the age of 35. He explained that the world now sees India as a massive market and a top place to invest. By ensuring workers have good wages, their purchasing power grows, which leads to more demand, more manufacturing, and ultimately, even more jobs. He concluded by saying that no industry can survive without a happy and respected workforce.