Mumbai: Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said the government’s approach towards economic growth is focused on balancing the interests of the poor, farmers, industry and labour, while stressing that industry and workers must move together for India’s long-term development.
Speaking at the Special Plenary VII on Next-Gen Labour Reforms during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here, Mandaviya said the government is committed to creating a growth model that is both industry-friendly and labour-centric.
“Our government is pro-poor and pro-farmer, but it is also an industry-friendly government,” he said.
“It is important that we move forward by being both pro-industry and pro-labour. Industry and labour must be intertwined, moving together towards a shared future,” the minister added.
Mandaviya highlighted the need for collaborative growth between businesses and workers, saying sustainable economic progress can only happen when industries thrive alongside the workforce that powers them.
The discussion at the summit also focused on the evolving role of India’s workforce and the country’s ambition of becoming a developed economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Speaking during another session, Chandrajit Banerjee said the increasing purchasing power of India’s working class could become a major driver of domestic demand and manufacturing growth.
“The improving purchasing power of the Indian working class has the potential to drive domestic consumption, which, in turn, will boost manufacturing and help make India Viksit and Atma Nirbhar,” Banerjee said.
Industry leaders at the summit also underlined the importance of preparing India for the next phase of economic transformation amid changing global dynamics.
Uday Kotak, former president of CII and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, said India’s growth story over the last few decades has been remarkable, but warned that the country must remain ambitious and adaptable to future challenges.
“India’s growth journey over the last few decades has been remarkable, but this is also the time to remain ambitious, disciplined and prepared for future challenges,” Kotak said.
(IANS)
