A new controversy has emerged around India’s draft national labour policy after it reportedly cited verses from the Manusmriti and linked the concept of work to Rajdharma, or the moral duties of rulers. The reference has sparked criticism from academics, labour rights activists, and political leaders, who believe that government policies should rely on modern constitutional principles rather than ancient religious texts.
The draft labour policy, prepared by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, aims to guide India’s workforce framework for the coming years. However, a section of the document refers to the Manusmriti to describe the traditional ethics of work and the relationship between rulers and workers. The text reportedly connects the idea of labour to Rajdharma, suggesting that just governance involves ensuring fair treatment and dignity for all workers.
Critics argue that citing the Manusmriti in a national policy is inappropriate because the text contains regressive views on caste and gender. They say that invoking it risks normalising outdated social hierarchies in a modern, democratic, and secular country. Many scholars and activists have urged the government to rely instead on the Indian Constitution, International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, and contemporary research on workforce welfare.
Labour unions have also expressed concern that the draft’s philosophical tone distracts from urgent issues such as low wages, lack of social security, and informal employment. They believe the policy should focus more on practical reforms like job creation, safety regulations, and gender equality rather than symbolic or religious framing.
On the other hand, supporters of the draft policy argue that the references were made only to illustrate India’s long-standing cultural respect for work and duty. They claim the Manusmriti was used metaphorically, not ideologically, and that drawing from ancient texts reflects the country’s rich intellectual heritage. According to them, Indian governance has always combined tradition and progress, and this should not be seen as a step backward.
The Labour Ministry has not yet issued a detailed clarification, but reports suggest that officials are reviewing feedback from stakeholders before finalising the document. The government’s challenge now is to strike a balance between cultural sensitivity and modern policy design.
This debate goes beyond one draft. It raises a broader question: how should India frame its public policies in the 21st century? Should they reflect ancient wisdom or stay strictly rooted in constitutional rationality? The answer may define not only the future of labour rights but also how India understands the relationship between tradition and progress.
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