Dr Alka Mittal, Member, Capacity Building Commission, addressed at the workshop on “Decoding Labour Codes – Understanding the New Era of Labour Reforms in India” at Mangaluru on December 20. The workshop was organised by Indian Institute of Skill Development and Research (IISDR), in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Mangaluru, Mangalore Management Association (MMA), and Kanara Industries Association (KIA). The workshop brought together policymakers, industry leaders, labour administrators, HR professionals, academicians, and students to deliberate on India’s evolving labour regulatory framework.

Dr Mittal spoke on the importance of ethical leadership and strong governance in building people-centric organisations. She emphasised that effective governance frameworks guide employees through clear rules, fairness, and transparency, enabling organisations to function smoothly and sustainably.

Highlighting the role of labour laws, she noted that they support organizational stability by preventing exploitation, reducing disputes, and ensuring legal clarity through standardized labour practices. Stressing zero tolerance for discrimination in recruitment, wages, promotions, or training, she underlined the importance of protecting workers’ rights and promoting collective bargaining.

She highlighted the role of digital tools in enabling online registration, inspections, and compliance. She further stressed the importance of continuous reskilling and upskilling across technical and non-technical fields to prepare the workforce for technological change, advocating a holistic approach that balances worker welfare, employer flexibility, and digital transformation.