By Arjun Ram Meghwal
Today, we observe the 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary) of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a towering personality and the pioneer of progressive measures that set the direction for modern human society. His tireless efforts as a jurist, economist, philosopher, social reformer, and, above all, a nation-builder, laid the foundation of modern India.
He hasn’t only drafted the Constitution of India but also presented a blueprint for an inclusive and strong nation where the dignity of every citizen is protected, and everyone receives equal opportunities. Inspired by these foundational values, the Modi government has taken several initiatives to promote public welfare and good governance.
On November 27, 2025, the world witnessed the unveiling of a bust of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India. This statue stands before global dignitaries, not just as a tribute to a leader of India, but as a universal symbol of justice. The plaque reads “Architect of the Constitution of India, yet these words cannot fully describe the legacy of the man who not only drafted the Constitution of India but also helped shape an entire nation comprehensively.
A Tireless Struggle for Workers’ Welfare
Throughout his lifetime, Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar struggled for justice, advocating for the rights and welfare of laborers10. As a representative of the Depressed Classes at the Round Table Conference, he strongly advocated for a living wage, reasonable working conditions, the emancipation of farmers from oppressive landlords, and the eradication of social evils affecting the oppressed.
He had personally witnessed the suffering of workers and the oppressed. In Bombay, he lived for over 10 years with mill workers in one-room tenements of the Bombay Development Department, where there were no modern amenities, and only one toilet and one tap for all purposes on each floor. These circumstances provided him with the opportunity to understand the lives of the workers up close.
He united the masses and founded the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1936 with a comprehensive program for the welfare of the landless, poor tenants, peasants, and workers.
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On September 17, 1937, during the Pune session of the Bombay Legislative Assembly, he introduced a bill to abolish the ‘Khoti’ land tenure system in the Konkan region.
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In 1938, he led a march of farmers to the Council Hall in Bombay and became a popular leader of farmers, workers, and the landless.
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He was the first Indian legislator to introduce a bill to end the servitude of agricultural tenants (bonded labor).
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He also strongly opposed the Industrial Disputes Bill, 1937, as it curtailed the workers’ right to strike.
Laying the Foundation for Progressive Labour Policy
During the uncertain global order of the Second World War , Dr. Ambedkar, as the Labour Member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, paved the way for the welfare of laborers in India. When the economy improved after World War II and industries expanded, entrepreneurs found opportunities for prosperity, but workers were not given their fair share. At that time, Dr. Ambedkar introduced important measures for the welfare of workers, which laid the foundation for the government’s labor policy. He resolved complex issues related to workers with great efficiency, which earned him respect from both employees and employers.
In his address from All India Radio in Bombay in 1943, Dr. Ambedkar urged securing a “decent standard of life” for workers, based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. His efforts helped bring workers within the ambit of social security.
He made significant contributions to worker welfare through major labor laws, including:
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War Injuries (Compensation Insurance) Bill.
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Boiler (Amendment) Bill, 1943, relating to the prevention of deaths in mills due to unsafe inspections.
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Indian Mines and Trade Union Amendment Bill
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Mines Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill.
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Coal Mine Safety (Stoving) Amendment Bill.
Workmen’s Compensation Amendment Bill.
On December 9, 1943, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar visited the Dhanbad coal mines and went 400 feet below the surface to inspect the operation and labor conditions35. This resulted in the Coal Mine Labour Welfare Ordinance of January 1944, which created a fund for the welfare of workers. He strengthened this fund by doubling the tax on coal extracted from the mines, ensuring better health and safety measures for miners.
On November 8, 1943, he also introduced the Indian Trade Union (Amendment) Bill, which made it mandatory for employers to recognize trade unions.
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During the debate in the Assembly on February 8, 1944, on the removal of the ban on women working underground in coal mines, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stated, “I think this is the first time that the principle of equal pay for equal work without any discrimination based on sex has been established in any industry”. This was a historic moment for the country.
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Through the Mines Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill 1943, he strengthened maternity benefits and made provision to protect them from economic penalties due to absence.
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In 1945, he further amended the Act to protect women from working underground ten weeks before childbirth and ensured a total maternity leave of fourteen weeks—ten weeks before and four weeks after delivery.
Addressing the Indian Labour Conference in New Delhi on November 26, 1945, he reviewed the government’s obligations towards workers and emphasized the immediate need for international standard labor laws for workers43. Stressing the need for progressive labor welfare legislation, he said:
“One may say that the British took 100 years to evolve a proper code of labour laws, but that is no argument that we in India should also take 100 years. History should not be studied merely for the purpose of finding out how well the mistakes of other countries can be copied. We study history in order to discover what are the mistakes which people have committed and how to avoid them. History is not always an illustration. It is often a warning.”
The next day at the same conference, he proposed legislation to reduce working hours in factories to 48 hours per week, introduce statutory industrial canteens, and amend the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 193445. He also announced plans to draft laws for minimum wages and amendments to the Indian Trade Unions Act, 192646.
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On February 21, 1946, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the Factories (Amendment) Bill to reduce weekly working hours to 48, fix overtime rates, and provide paid leave. After review by the Select Committee, this historic law, supported by Ambedkar, was passed on April 4, 1946.
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The Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund Bill, introduced by him to create a fund for welfare activities in the mica mining industry, was passed on April 15, 194649. This improved facilities and working conditions for child and female workers, including issues of working hours and wages50.
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Dr. Ambedkar also introduced the Minimum Wages Bill on April 11, 1946, which proposed advisory committees and boards with equal employer-labor representation51. It was later enacted into law on February 9, 1948.
Contrasting Views on Communism
Dr. Ambedkar opposed the Communist-led labor movement, rejecting Marx’s totalitarian approach of controlling all means of production53. He disagreed with Marx’s view that abolishing private property would end poverty and suffering54. In his essay, ‘Buddha or Karl Marx’, he writes:
“Can the Communists say that in achieving their valuable object they have not destroyed other valuable objects? They have destroyed private property. Admitting that this is a valuable object, can the Communists say that in the process of achieving it they have not destroyed other valuable objects? How many people have they killed for the purpose of achieving their object? Does human life hold no value? Could they not have taken the property without killing the owner?
While drafting the Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar placed labor in the Concurrent List to ensure uniform laws and alignment with international standards56. His foresight abolished and outlawed bonded labor in the Constitution.
Following Ambedkar’s Values: The Modern Path to ‘Viksit Bharat’
Inspired by the mantra of “Reform, Perform and Transform” given by our visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi , and following the values of Dr. Ambedkar, our government has implemented four comprehensive labour codes 59: Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and Welfare, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions.
These reforms aim to ensure universal social security, protect workers’ rights, promote productivity, generate employment, and strengthen India’s economic prosperity towards a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat) by 204761.
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana, launched in February 2019, provides old age security for unorganized workers.
- The Maternity Amendment Act, 2017, increased maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks and mandated creche facilities.
Guided by the enduring spirit of ‘Shram-ev Jayate’ (Labor alone triumphs), we honor the countless contributions of workers to nation-building64. The Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Param Poojya Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar provides a suitable occasion for us to reflect on the vision and work of this great nation-builder65. His ideals will always inspire us to accelerate the nation’s development journey and achieve the goal of a ‘Developed India’ by 204766.
