Dynamics of Reforms of Labour Market and the Industrial Relations System in India

Urban-ward Migration and Policy Narratives: A Time to Retrospect

“…A process of registration did exist in a few work sectors, such as construction, domestic work and transport work; however, such registration was also largely contingent upon certification by employers and hence the number of workers remained far lower than the estimates. For example, while the estimated number of construction workers in the country is about 8.5 crore, the number of registered workers was 2.15 crore in 2020 (Shyam Sundar, 2021). Further, registration with the labour boards did not necessarily translate into delivery of assured benefits like health and life insurance or scholarships to children (Shyam Sunder, 2021).…”

“…For example, while the estimated number of construction workers in the country is about 8.5 crore, the number of registered workers was 2.15 crore in 2020 (Shyam Sundar, 2021). Further, registration with the labour boards did not necessarily translate into delivery of assured benefits like health and life insurance or scholarships to children (Shyam Sunder, 2021). The migrants therefore also did not have any incentive to get registered, adding to the invisibility of their numbers.…”

“…It is estimated that the percentage of construction workers registered with the various state boards ranges between 2 per cent and 20 per cent; the proportion is even lesser in case of domestic workers (Shyam Sundar, 2021).…”

Wellbeing and Labour Conditions in Modern Construction Industry

“…Both the neoliberal scholars often argue that investment by multinational firms is not just economic expansion, their higher returns to coexist with improved conditions of work and worker's wellbeing along with rise in standard of living of all stakeholders over the long run. However, over the years, many research studies have highlighted that with the pace of globalization and subsequent policy pressure of flexibilization, the informalization process such as engaging more temporary, casual worker, and contracted or skilled-self-employed have further exacerbated vulnerabilities across the sectors (8,10,11,23,27,31,37,39,40,41,42). Such continuous exacerbation of the deficit of decent work along with stagnation and declining regular employment share across sectors have further questioned the efficacy of the state's free market reform process (1,2,3,36).…”