Four Labour Codes Mark A ‘Transformative Reform’ For Industry And Workers: FICCI President Anant Goenka

The rollout of the four new labour codes, which merge 29 existing laws, marks one of the most significant reforms for Indian industry and its workforce, according to Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RPG Group and President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

In an exclusive conversation, Goenka described the long-pending codes as ‘excellent for the industry, for the workforce’, noting that they promise streamlined compliance processes, easier labour mobility, enhanced workplace safety provisions, improved retirement benefits, and rules that allow women to work night shifts.

“The benefits are extremely high for businesses. It’s a simplification of ease of doing business and an important step and a lot of clarity on the way forward as well,” he said.

Balanced View on Long Working Hours Debate

Responding to the debate stirred by Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy’s suggestion advocating longer working hours on the lines of China’s 9-9-6 model, Goenka maintained a measured view.

“I think to be successful, one has to work hard, work long hours, and put in a lot of effort. However, I think there is a balance to life, and I think that corporates should respect that as well,” he said.

He further added that while ambition varies from person to person, sustained hard work is essential for business success.

Goenka lauded the progress in income tax changes, GST simplification, and labour law consolidation, calling them important steps toward deregulation. However, he underlined the need for further reforms in other key areas of production.

“We would say that on energy and on land reform, there is something that more work can be done, and we look forward to working with the government on that front,” he said.

He emphasised that despite the central government’s proactive reform agenda, such as the high-level task force and the ₹1 lakh crore R&D allocation under the National Manufacturing Mission, state-level reforms must accelerate to maintain momentum.

“We would recommend more action on the state side. While the centre is very positive in terms of reform, at the state level, how can we see more uniformity, more action in terms of ease of doing business?” he said, adding that measures like wider adoption of self-certification could improve industry experience across states.

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