Congress Criticizes Draft Labour Policy, Alleges Modi Govt Revives Manusmriti Principles

The Congress party leveled sharp criticism against the Modi government on Wednesday, alleging that a newly released draft Labour Force Policy signals a regressive shift toward Manusmriti principles, potentially undermining the foundational values of India's Constitution. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted excerpts from the draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025, which invokes the ancient Hindu text as embedding the moral underpinnings of labour governance within the nation's civilizational ethos, predating modern legal frameworks. Ramesh shared the policy's content on social media platform X, framing it as a deliberate ideological pivot that prioritizes traditional interpretations over contemporary democratic norms.

In the policy's section on "Civilizational Ethos and Guiding Principles," the document portrays India's conception of labour—or "srama"—as transcending mere economics to encompass a sacred moral obligation fostering social harmony, prosperity, and adherence to dharma, or righteous duty. It positions workers across professions, from artisans to industrial laborers, as integral to a cosmic cycle of societal creation, drawing implicitly from ancient sources like Manusmriti. Ramesh contended that this emphasis reflects the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) longstanding preferences, recalling how the organization critiqued the freshly adopted Constitution for failing to derive from Manu's ideals as outlined in the Manusmriti.

Ramesh's post underscored the timing and implications of the draft, released earlier this month for public consultation, as emblematic of broader governance trends under the BJP-led administration. By explicitly crediting Manusmriti for foundational labour ethics, the policy, in his view, aligns with RSS traditions that historically challenged the Constitution's secular and egalitarian framework. This accusation taps into ongoing debates about the integration of cultural heritage into policy-making, where proponents see it as reclaiming indigenous wisdom, while critics perceive it as diluting progressive reforms.

Also Read: Congress Alleges BJP Misused Subhadra Yojana to Woo Voters Ahead of Nuapada Bypoll

The draft's release occurs amid efforts to overhaul labour regulations, aiming to harmonize economic growth with ethical considerations rooted in India's philosophical traditions. Supporters argue that recognizing labour's spiritual dimensions could enhance worker dignity and productivity, but opposition voices like Congress warn it risks prioritizing archaic hierarchies over inclusive rights enshrined in the post-independence era. As public feedback is solicited, the document's references to ancient texts have ignited partisan discourse on whether such invocations strengthen or subvert constitutional supremacy.

This controversy highlights persistent tensions between cultural revivalism and modern governance in India, with Congress positioning the policy as a symptom of deeper ideological shifts. Ramesh's intervention seeks to rally scrutiny, urging stakeholders to evaluate how historical texts influence contemporary labour dynamics without compromising the Republic's core commitments to equality and justice. The government's response remains awaited, as the draft advances toward potential formalization.

Also Read: Congress Sends Tough Warning to Kerala Leaders: Unite or Face Defeat