Expectations are running high that the new government would simplify the nation's labour laws to boost employment and improve the quality of work. The BJP manifesto, which alludes to the labour force as “the pillar of our growth”, has promised to promote a harmonious relationship between labour and industry. Both industry and labour unions have a laundry list of demands on labour law reforms. Industry bodies like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) have already sent the government their versions of the 100-day agendas for the government, including several proposals on labour laws. According to Ficci, the 44 central labour laws and more than 100 state laws dealing with the labour market “protect a few employed at the cost of many unemployed”.

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