Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Bhupender Yadav shared their views on labour reforms, air pollution, parliamentary affairs and India’s economic direction at the 11th edition of the India Economic Conclave (IEC 2025), organised by Times Network in the national capital.

As per a Times Network press release, the Conclave brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders and experts to discuss India’s policy priorities and long-term growth roadmap at a time of rapid economic and geopolitical change.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya explained the rationale behind replacing 26 pre-Independence labour laws with four consolidated labour codes. He said the reforms were aimed at strengthening India’s workforce and supporting sustained economic growth as the country approaches 100 years of Independence in 2047. With over 40 crore workers engaged in manual labour, wage work and nation-building activities, Mandaviya said the government considers workers a core pillar in shaping India’s future.

He argued that earlier governments had failed to significantly improve labour welfare or create conditions for large-scale industrial growth. Stressing the interdependence between industry expansion and employment generation, Mandaviya said industries cannot function without workers, and workers cannot find jobs unless industries grow. Referring to the Modi government’s development-centric approach, he said the administration adopted the philosophy of “reform, perform and transform,” with the labour codes passed by Parliament during 2019–20.

Mandaviya acknowledged that implementation took time due to debate and criticism, but said extensive consultations were held with trade unions to address concerns. He noted that several states eventually recognised the worker-centric nature of the codes and amended local laws accordingly. Highlighting key provisions, he said the reforms ensure equal wages for men and women, calling wage parity a fundamental women’s right, and guarantee minimum wages nationwide to create a fair and modern labour framework.

Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia described India as being at a defining moment in its economic journey. He took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks abroad on declining manufacturing, saying such statements undermine India’s achievements and are disconnected from its growth trajectory. “One has to be proud of what India has become,” Scindia said, rejecting claims that manufacturing is in decline.

Scindia also spoke on the worsening air quality, particularly in Delhi-NCR, calling for scientific and long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. Describing air pollution as a serious public health threat, he said, “This is the most dangerous thing in life. But whatever we have inherited, we will correct it. And we will have to do it. There is no other way.” He cautioned against expecting quick results, noting that pollution is driven by layered and long-standing factors requiring both adaptation and mitigation.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, responding to questions on Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament, said, “Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister are incomparable. Prime Minister is going for national duty, Rahul Gandhi is going for private duty. It’s not a parliament delegation, it’s not a parliament trip, it’s not even a Congress trip. He has gone for his own meetings.” On pollution, Rijiju urged all members, including the Opposition, to participate constructively in parliamentary debates, adding that discussions had been disrupted in the past.

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed concerns over inter-state coordination as GRAP Stage 4 remains in force in Delhi. He said previous governments failed to act when they had the opportunity and noted that Western Disturbances typically arrive in December. “The governments did nothing during their turn. Meteorologically, Western Disturbances arrive in December. We are implementing multiple measures, and the results of these efforts will become visible over the coming years,” he said. Comparing India’s efforts with global practices, Yadav added, “The same steps were taken there as well. In London, strong action was taken against coal-based gas.”

Industry leaders also shared insights at the Conclave. Hyundai Motor India COO Tarun Garg reflected on the company’s 30-year journey in India, explaining how the Santro’s tall-boy design was inspired by local needs. “Hyundai decided that we have to give respect to India… So ingress into the car and coming out of the car became very important,” he said. Garg also spoke about Hyundai’s Make-in-India strategy and export focus.

Maruti Suzuki India’s Partho Banerjee spoke on electric vehicle adoption, noting that while new EV models are entering the market, overall penetration remains at around 4 percent. “So, it does not make too much of a difference in a country like ours, where we are selling close to 4 lakh cars every month,” he said, adding that the company remains focused on its core customer base.

IEC 2025 concluded by reaffirming its position as a key platform for dialogue between policymakers, industry and thought leaders, aimed at shaping India’s economic leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The conclave was presented by IDFC FIRST Bank, with support from multiple knowledge, industry and institutional partners.