Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the 21st Triennial Conference of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) in Puri, where he highlighted the pivotal role of technology and skill development in enhancing workers’ welfare and bolstering India’s future growth.
Drawing from Indian cultural values, particularly the traditions of Lord Jagannath, the CM stressed that no work is big or small, and all citizens are ultimately servants of the nation.
In his address, Majhi underscored the importance of labour dignity in Indian culture, noting that Lord Jagannath’s philosophy treats all tasks equally, guiding labour policies and relations. He pointed to rapid changes in the global economy driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and quantum computing, which are transforming labour markets. “Workers must be reskilled and upskilled to stay relevant,” he emphasised, adding that while AI may displace traditional jobs, the solution lies in embracing new technologies and skill enhancement.
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India boasts the world’s second-largest workforce, with around 13 million youth entering the job market annually. The CM praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s internship program, aimed at providing opportunities to one crore youth in the top 500 companies over five years. In Odisha, he noted significant industrial progress, with projects worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore initiated in the past 20 months and an expected Rs 20 lakh crore in investments in the coming years. “A trained and skilled workforce is essential to support this growth,” Majhi said.
The CM also discussed labour reforms, including four new labour codes that strengthen social security, health benefits, and overtime provisions for workers. The government has implemented various welfare measures in Odisha, such as benefits under the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, covering over 5.1 million workers. These include education and marriage assistance for their children, and up to Rs 6 lakh compensation in case of accidental death.
Additional initiatives include scholarships for ITI and diploma courses, housing facilities in industrial areas, welfare steps for unorganised workers, and 200 days of employment in many districts to curb migration. Majhi urged labour unions to play a constructive role in the evolving job market, protecting workers’ interests and supporting reskilling efforts. He expressed confidence in Odisha becoming a prosperous state by 2036 and India a developed nation by 2047, with workers playing a decisive role.
The event was attended by BMS President Hiranmay Pandya, Deputy General Secretary Surendra Kumar Pandey, General Secretary Ravindra Himte, labour expert Yuki Otsuji, and representatives from various international labour unions.
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