Workforce

In a landmark move to enhance workers’ welfare, the Haryana government has raised the minimum wage for unskilled laborers from Rs 11,274.60 to Rs 15,220 per month, effective April 1, 2026. Announced by Labour Minister Anil Vij and endorsed by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the hike aims to improve the livelihoods of lakhs of unskilled workers across the state.

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across the technology sector is triggering a wave of workforce restructuring, prompting concerns over job security and corporate accountability. Employee advocacy groups are urging both industry leaders and policymakers to prioritize reskilling initiatives over layoffs, while calling for stronger labor protections, including mandatory severance frameworks and clearer employment guidelines. Despite robust profitability in the sector, the shift toward automation is creating uncertainty among white-collar professionals.

A recent study by SalarySe reveals that women in India’s formal workforce demonstrate significantly higher job retention than men, staying employed 36 percent longer on average. Based on an analysis of over 47,800 EPFO records, the findings challenge longstanding perceptions about women as a retention risk. Despite this advantage, female participation in the formal workforce remains strikingly low, accounting for just 7.6 percent of total records.