INTUC seeks to incorporate ‘Labour’ into the renamed SHAKTI department

The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Committee has urged the Telangana government to retain the word “Labour” in the newly renamed Department of Skill Human Capital and Knowledge Training Initiatives (SHAKTI), saying the omission undermines the historical significance and identity of the labor movement.

In a statement submitted to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday, INTUC expressed concern over the government’s decision to rename the Department of Labour, Employment, Training and Factories as SHAKTI. The union said that while it has no objection to the change in terminology, the new name should include the word “work”.

The union said the department was set up to protect the interests of workers, many of whom belong to vulnerable groups and rely on labor law protections. It argued that the removal of the words “Labor” and “Employment” from the department’s name came at a time when several labor laws had already been consolidated into four labor codes, leading to restrictions on workers’ rights.

The unions argued that the Department of Labor has historically represented the dignity and importance of the workforce at the state, national and global levels. The acronym SHAKTI does not contain any reference to the work, either in its extended form, or the acronym, making it unsuitable for the department responsible for social welfare, they said.

Published – 13 Jul 2026 21:23 IST