Odisha: BMS All India Conference in Puri from February 6 to discuss labour reforms and emerging work trends

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), the country’s largest labour organisation working with a strong national perspective and commitment to workers’ welfare, will organise its 21st All India Conference from February 6 to 8, 2026, in the holy coastal city of Puri, Odisha. The three-day national conference is expected to emerge as a major platform for in-depth deliberations on contemporary labour issues, including labour reforms, technological transformation, environmental challenges, globalisation and the evolving nature of work.

Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Odisha in Bhubaneswar, B. Surendran, All India Organising Secretary of BMS, said the conference would play a significant role not only for trade unions but also in shaping the future direction of India’s labour policies and industrial ecosystem. He noted that the rapidly changing technological and economic environment has posed new challenges before workers and trade unions, making such national-level discussions extremely relevant.

Formal inauguration by Union Labour Minister

Surendran informed that the conference will be formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Bhai Mandaviya. The event will also be graced by Michiko Miyamoto, Director (South Asia), International Labour Organization (ILO), as a special guest. Their presence underlines the national and international significance of the conference.

As part of the conference, an International Symposium will be organised, in which Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi will participate as the Guest of Honour. The Chief Minister will inaugurate an  symposium and address the gathering.

Participation from across India

According to BMS leaders, nearly 2,500 selected delegates from across the country will participate in the three-day event. These delegates will represent 28 States, 4 Union Territories and 42 Industrial Federations, reflecting the wide organisational base and reach of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Senior office-bearers of various state-level labour organisations, leaders of industrial federations and prominent trade union activists will attend the conference and contribute to the discussions.

To ensure smooth conduct of the event, more than 400 volunteers are actively engaged in preparations and organisational arrangements.

International presence, focus on BRICS Nations

Highlighting the global dimension of the conference, Surendran said that fraternity delegates from 12 countries, particularly from BRICS nations, will participate in the event. Their presence will add an international perspective to the discussions on labour, employment and trade union movements.

An International Symposium on the theme “Changing Technological, Economic, Ecological and Ethical Scenario: Impact on the World of Work and Role of Trade Unions” has been planned as an integral part of the conference. The symposium will deliberate on how technological advancements, economic restructuring, environmental concerns and ethical challenges are reshaping workplaces worldwide, and how trade unions must adapt to protect workers’ interests.

Deliberations on labour scenario and labour codes

The conference will comprehensively discuss the present labour scenario in India, including the impact of the labour codes implemented by the central government on different sectors. Key issues such as the changing nature of employment, contract labour, gig and platform workers, social security and the future role of trade unions will be examined in detail.

Experts, senior trade union leaders and representatives of industrial federations will share their insights, making the discussions both policy-oriented and grounded in workers’ realities.

National colloquium on women’s participation

Recognising the importance of gender inclusion in the labour movement, BMS has arranged a National Colloquium on “Increasing Women’s Participation in the Trade Union Movement: Challenges and Opportunities.”

The colloquium will focus on the role of women workers, the challenges they face in the labour market and within trade unions, and the strategies needed to enhance their participation and leadership. Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Smt. V. Rahatkar, has been invited as a Special Guest for this important session.

Cultural programmes and public outreach

Apart from deliberations and policy discussions, the conference will also highlight Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Special lectures, industry-wise discussions, adoption of resolutions and cultural programmes showcasing Odisha’s vibrant traditions will be organised. A delegates’ procession and a mass public meeting will further connect the conference with the wider public.

Massive rally and public meeting on February 7

On February 7, a huge procession and public meeting will be organised in Puri, in which over 50,000 activists are expected to participate. Ravindra Himte, All India General Secretary of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, will be the main speaker at the public meeting. Several prominent labour leaders from different parts of the country will also address the gathering, highlighting key issues concerning workers and the national labour movement.

Second All India Conference in Odisha

Surendran recalled that earlier, Odisha had hosted the All India Conference of BMS in 2008 at Cuttack. After nearly 18 years, the state has once again been chosen to host this prestigious national event. Preparations for the Puri conference are currently in the final stages and are progressing at a rapid pace.

The press conference was also attended by Ganesh Mishra, Badal Moharana, Prithviraj Panda, State General Secretary, and Anjali Patel, National Secretary, BMS.

Meeting with the Chief Minister

Earlier, a BMS delegation led by B. Surendran met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and formally invited him to be the Guest of Honour at the International Symposium.

Hon.Chief Minister of Odisha Sri Mohan Charan Majhi consented to be the Guest of Honour for the International Symposium on – Changing scenario of Technology, Economy, Environment & Ethics on the World of Work and Role of Trade Unions” . He will Inaugurate the Symposium and… pic.twitter.com/FssQA7dRKn

— Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (@BMSkendra) January 15, 2026

The Chief Minister consented to the request. The delegation included Ganesh Mishra, All India Deputy Organising Secretary; Badal Moharana, State President, BMS Odisha; and Sachidanand Gadnayak, State Deputy General Secretary.

Credit : Organiser Weekly