www.thestatesman.com | FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 S P O RT S | | ` 5.00 | LC | Former Trump ally Greene to resigh from Congress Page 9 Page 12 PM unveils key initiatives for Africa at G20 WFH back on the table as Delhi chokes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the G20 Leaders’ Summit, in Johannesburg on Saturday. ANI New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recommended government and private offices to shift employees to work-from-home in the National Capital as pollution levels remain locked in the ‘very poor’ category for over a week. In its advisory issued on Saturday, the pollution watchdog asked NCR state governments and the Delhi administration to consider allowing offices to function with 50 per cent staff on-site, with the rest working remotely. Pages 12 @thestatesmanltd World Kuldeep tilts Day 1 India’s way BRIEFLY @TheStatesmanLtd SHAHID ABBAS New Delhi, 22 November P rime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday called for a fundamental re-evaluation of the global economic growth model, arguing that existing parameters have failed vast populations and damaged the planet. Addressing the first session at the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg today, titled "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth ~ Leaving No One Behind," the Prime Minister highlighted the disproportionate impact of current development models on the developing world, particularly Africa. “The growth we've seen so far has left a large population resource-deprived and led to nature's over-exploitation. Africa has suffered the most,” he stated, setting a strong tone for India's perspective at the first G20 Summit to be held on the African continent. To foster genuine “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” ~ the theme of the South African Presidency ~ PM Modi proposed adopting India’s civilisational value of Integral Humanism as a guiding philosophy for global development. He detailed this philosophy as a path to achieve balance b etween progress and environmental preservation. "We must see humans, society, and nature as an integrated whole," Modi asserted. “Only then can we achieve harmony between progress and nature.” In line with this focus on sustainable practices, the Prime Minister suggested establishing a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20 umbrella. This body would be tasked with preserving and sharing traditional and eco-balanced lifestyles from cultures around the world. Reinforcing India’s commitment to the African continent ~ which gained permanent membership in the G20 during India's 2023 Presidency ~ Mr Modi unveiled a major human capital initiative. Another BLO dies by suicide, CM blasts ECI STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 22 November In yet another case of suicide by a Block Level Officer engagd in carrying out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a 52-year-old para teacher was found hanging at her residence in Krishnagar on Saturday morning, with a handwritten suicide note that directly blamed the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the “inhuman workload” she said she could no longer endure. The incident has triggered a wave of political condemnation, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again targeting the Election Commission of India. In a post on social media, Miss Banerjee lamented that the ECI’s measures under the SIR process were placing BLOs under unbearable pressure. The situation had assumed such alarming proportions that lives were being lost as officials struggled to shoulder the responsibility and the heavy workload thrust upon them, she said. Labour code reforms usher in inclusive workforce era DR. DEEPAK JAISWAL New Delhi, 22 November India has entered a historic phase in labour governance with the implementation of the Labour Codes, widely hailed as the most transformative reforms since independence. The new framework replaces colonial-era labour laws with modern legislation aligned to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the long-term trajectory of Viksit Bharat 2047. Officials and industry leaders say the reforms will uplift millions of workers while invigorating the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, where women and marginalised groups play a pivotal role. With nearly one-fifth of MSMEs led by women, the Codes are expected to open new pathways for Nari Shakti, strengthening equality, productivity and social justice across the sector. The Labour Codes mark a shift from protection to empowerment, particularly for women workers. The Code on Wages and Code on Social Security reinforce equal pay for equal work and universalise protection. Expanded Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) coverage strengthens health, maternity and income security, benefitting women in rural units and large MSME clusters. The broadened definition of family, now including parents-in-law, acknowledges caregiving responsibilities and supports women’s participation in the workforce. Together, these measures embody a renewed social contract placing women at the centre of India’s evolving labour landscape. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code sets modern standards for workplace welfare.Mandatory facilities such as crèches, toilets, drinking water, canteens and rest areas will transform MSME workplaces into safe and respectful environments. Standardised working hours, flexible arrangements including work-from-home, and eligibility for paid leave after 180 days enhance work-life balance. Free annual health check-ups for employees aged 40 and above advance preventive healthcare and long-term well-being. These provisions reinforce the principle that worker welfare and economic efficiency are mutually reinforcing. Formalisation is a cornerstone of the reforms. Appointment letters, timely wage payments and clear statutory definitions of worker and employee strengthen transparency and accountability. Protection against commuting accidents expands welfare coverage to reflect modern mobility realities. By consolidating documentation, security and financial autonomy, the Codes contribute directly to inclusive and sustainable economic development. The Worker Re-skilling Fund is a forward-looking innovation preparing the workforce for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, electronics and digital services. Re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives will support workers navigating transitions in a dynamic labour market. Strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms ensure accessible channels for worker concerns, reinforcing dignity and accountability. Mobility and Inclusive GrowthLabour mobility receives renewed focus through updated definitions and portability of welfare entitlements. Interstate migrant workers will benefit from continuity of social security, including access to the Public Distribution System and Building and Other Construction Workers Cess Fund. These measures ensure workers remain securely integrated into formal welfare architecture while pursuing opportunities across regions. International institutions including the International Labour Organization, International Monetary Fund and World Bank have acknowledged the significance of India’s reforms. Enhanced gender participation, supported by the Codes, is expected to unlock substantial economic potential and reinforce India’s global competitiveness. The Labour Codes elevate the dignity of labour, empower women, support migrant workers and consolidate a welfare - oriented labour architecture. They exemplify the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat, accelerate progress toward Viksit Bharat 2047, and contribute to a labour ecosystem defined by resilience, equity and opportunity. As these reforms take root, they generate a confident national environment, setting the stage for a future in which every worker contributes to and benefits from India’s economic ascent. (The writer is National President, National Front of Indian Trade Unions) People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | 23 November 2025