The Ministry of Labor and Employment submitted a proposal to amend the Factories Act, 1948, a central law that defines health and safety measures for workers.

The government argues that these amendments are necessary to create new jobs and make it easier for businesses to grow. Trade Unions and workers’ groups have opposed the proposals. They argue that these proposed changes will push more than half of all factories outside the purview of any regulations. According to the unions, Indian labor laws have already been weakened by the government over the years and the new changes fail to provide for decent work conditions.

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