Mumbai, May 12: Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday underlined the government’s balanced approach towards economic growth, saying it is committed to being pro-poor, pro-farmer and industry-friendly. Speaking at the Special Plenary VII on Next-Gen Labour Reforms during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in Mumbai, Mandaviya stressed that India’s long-term development depends on collaborative growth between industry and labour.

“Our government is pro-poor and pro-farmer, but it is also an industry-friendly government,” Mandaviya said, adding that sustainable progress requires industries and workers to move forward together. He highlighted that the government’s labour reforms are designed to ensure that economic expansion benefits both businesses and the workforce that powers them.

The minister noted that India’s growth model must intertwine industry and labour, creating a shared future where prosperity is inclusive. He emphasized that reforms under the vision of Viksit Bharat are aimed at strengthening social security, improving working conditions, and fostering industrial competitiveness.

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The summit also saw industry leaders echoing similar sentiments. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, pointed out that the rising 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.

Uday Kotak, former CII president and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, reflected on India’s remarkable growth journey over the past decades but cautioned that the country must remain ambitious and adaptable to global challenges. “India’s growth journey has been remarkable, but this is also the time to remain disciplined and prepared for future challenges,” Kotak said.

The discussions at the summit revolved around preparing India for the next phase of economic transformation, with a focus on labour reforms, industrial growth, and inclusive development. The emphasis was on ensuring that India’s workforce remains central to the country’s ambition of becoming a developed economy.

Mandaviya’s remarks reinforced the government’s stance on balancing social welfare with industrial progress, positioning India’s labour reforms as a cornerstone of its economic vision.