Shram Shakti Niti 2025: AIBEA Flags Concerns Over Draft Labour Policy and Worker Rights

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has released a draft of the National Labour and Employment Policy, titled Shram Shakti Niti 2025, inviting public feedback. The All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) has issued a circular expressing serious reservations about the draft, stating that it undermines the role of the government as a protector of workers’ rights and fails to uphold international labour standards.

AIBEA Questions Policy’s Intent and Approach
According to AIBEA, the draft labour policy does not uphold international labour standards or constitutional commitments. The circular states that the draft appears to legitimise the government’s current anti-worker stance rather than ensuring fairness and protection for the workforce.

Use of Religious Texts and Definition of Labour
The draft policy defines labour (srama) as a sacred and moral duty linked to dharma, quoting texts such as Manu Smriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti, Sukra Niti, and Arthashastra. AIBEA states that labour should be treated as livelihood and not a moral or religious obligation.

Government as Facilitator Instead of Intervenor
The draft policy envisions the government as a facilitator instead of an intervenor against exploitation. It also presents a framework where the government becomes a job facilitator rather than a job creator, despite the country’s high unemployment levels.

Link to Viksit Bharat 2047 and Labour Codes
AIBEA observes that the draft policy seeks to align labour governance with the government’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 and appears to support the objectives of the new Labour Codes.

Challenge to Trade Union Movement
The circular describes the draft as a unilateral proposal that could affect the trade union movement and the labour rights achieved over time.

From Karmachari to Karmayogi
AIBEA notes the reference to converting karmachari (workers) into karmayogi (devotional workers). The circular explains that while karmachari earns a livelihood, karmayogi works as a moral duty. It contrasts this with the government’s efforts toward “Ease of Doing Business” for employers.

Call for Awareness
AIBEA expects central trade unions to respond to the draft policy and advises workers to stay aware of the proposed measures.

AIBEA’s circular on the Draft National Labour and Employment Policy—Shram Shakti Niti 2025—expresses concern that the policy could reduce worker protection and alter the government’s role in labour governance.