India: Industrial relations profile

The Indian economy grew steadily during 2000–2010, with a growth of about 8% in GDP. However, in 2012–2013, GDP growth dropped to 4.96%, due to impending fiscal and balance of payment imbalances, a rise in the consumer price index and a stagnating manufacturing sector. Moreover, unlike the period 2001–2005, 2005–2010 did not see employment creation grow concomitantly with value added by industries, in particular manufacturing, giving rise to a situation of jobless growth. A key issue in Indian labour law is the ongoing debate over whether or not legislation should be reformed to introduce greater flexibility into the labour market.