Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal

Bhopal, Jul 31: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the revised rules of the Labour Department, mandating a 45-day notice before declaring a strike or lockout, triggering fierce protests from the Opposition Congress and a walkout from the House.

The new law, tabled by the ruling BJP government, is being projected as a step towards industrial reform and attracting investments. Labour Minister Prahlad Patel defended the bill, saying it is designed to maintain a balance between workers' welfare and industrial growth. "We respect the laborer, but the speed of development must also be maintained," he said.

Congress, however, slammed the move, alleging it is anti-worker and aimed at protecting the interests of capitalists and contractors. Party leaders including Omkar Singh Markam, Vijay Rev Nath Chourey, and Dinesh Jain Bose accused the government of promoting contract-based employment and allowing middlemen to exploit outsourced workers. They demanded that salaries be credited directly to workers' accounts to prevent misuse.

Congress MLA Sohanlal Valmiki even proposed an amendment, stating the bill undermines the constitutional right to protest. Despite the government’s assurance of accountability between factory owners and workers, Valmiki refused to withdraw the amendment, which was later rejected by a vote, leading to the Congress walkout.

Under the new rules, any industry planning a shutdown must provide a one-month advance notice, and workers intending to strike must also inform authorities in advance. The changes also relax licensing requirements—contractors need a license only if they employ over 50 workers, up from 20 previously, and factories will now need a license only if they employ 40 or more workers.

Minister Patel assured the House that the revised law includes safeguards such as mandatory crediting of Provident Fund contributions to workers' accounts and claimed that no worker would be left vulnerable. However, Congress remains unconvinced, calling the law a tool to weaken labor rights and strengthen the hold of private contractors.