A two-day “National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States/UTs,” chaired by Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, began in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is aimed at fostering collaboration on key labour reforms across all 36 States and Union Territories. Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, and Labour & Employment Secretary, Sumita Dawra, are among the prominent attendees, , according to a press release from the Ministry.

The conference will focus on critical areas such as social security for both organized and unorganized workers, including gig and platform workers, expanding the medical infrastructure of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), and improving employment opportunities through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Model Career Centres (MCC).

Participants will exchange insights, experiences, and best practices on labour and employment issues, including harmonization of draft rules under Labour Codes and labour reforms undertaken by States and UTs. The agenda includes capacity building to transition labour inspectors into inspector-cum-facilitators, aiming to ease industry compliance while promoting labour welfare, including increased female workforce participation.

The primary goal of the conference is to strengthen convergence between the Central Government, States, and Union Territories, creating a unified framework that benefits both workers and employers.