The Case Of Covid-19 & Laws On Minimum Wages

The COVID-19 pandemic apart from wreaking a health havoc, has deeply impacted India's workforce. The mass exodus of nearly 30 million migrant workers comprising about 15-20% of India's urban workforce, from cities, triggered by the pandemic, has affected several industries like manufacturing, construction, mining and logistics. Industries reportedly, are not only managing operations with a fraction of the required workforce, but also at higher operating costs.

To encourage industrial activity after an unprecedented national lockdown, the government has been making future-facing announcements like ‘vocal for local', touting India as the world's next manufacturing hub. To achieve such a massive feat however, factors including enhancing FDI, developing robust industrial infrastructure and indigenously producing raw material, require consideration. Similarly, the critical role of well-considered, sustainable labour law reforms, in facilitating such transformation must be