Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part L (2025)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar made seminal contributions to labour welfare in India, with particular emphasis on the protection and empowerment of industrial workers. As a distinguished economist, jurist, and social reformer, his labour philosophy was deeply rooted in social justice, equality, and human dignity. Serving as the Labour Member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council (1942-1946), Ambedkar initiated progressive labour reforms aimed at improving working conditions, reducing working hours, and ensuring paid holidays—measures that later received international recognition through the International Labour Organization. He played a decisive role in shaping key labour legislations such as the Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, and Industrial Employment Standing Orders Act, which collectively strengthened workers’ rights, wage security, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Ambedkar also strongly advocated for trade union recognition and collective bargaining, recognizing them as essential tools against industrial exploitation. His vision of labour welfare extended beyond legislation to include social security, healthcare, education, and housing for workers. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar embedded labour welfare within its framework through Articles 23, 24, 39, and 43, addressing forced labour, child labour, wage equality, and living wages. Overall, Ambedkar’s contributions laid the foundation for a humane, equitable, and rights-based labour system in India, particularly benefiting marginalized industrial workers.