Archive · 30 Oct 2025
Congress Criticizes BJP's Draft Labor Policy for Manusmriti References, Citing Ambedkar's Use
A politician named Jairam Ramesh is upset because a new government plan about work, called the Shram Shakti Niti, mentions an old book called the Manusmriti.
Ramesh thinks this is bad because he believes the Manusmriti is outdated and goes against India's modern rules, called the Constitution.
He says this is like the RSS group's old ideas.
However, another politician named B.R. Ambedkar, who helped write the Constitution, also looked at the Manusmriti when he was creating laws to give women more rights to own property.
The article points out that if using old texts is wrong, then Ramesh's party might be ignoring Ambedkar's own actions.
The government says the Manusmriti shows an old Indian idea about work being important.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP government's draft 'Shram Shakti Niti 2025' for referencing the ancient text Manusmriti.
Ramesh stated that this reference is a departure from constitutional values and aligns with RSS traditions.
He argued that Manusmriti is associated with the caste system and is an insult to the Constitution.
The article highlights that B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in drafting the Indian Constitution, also drew inspiration from Manusmriti for the Hindu Code Bill, particularly regarding women's property rights.
The draft policy suggests Manusmriti and other ancient texts embedded the moral basis of labor governance within India's civilizational fabric.
- Who
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and the BJP government
- What
- Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP's draft Shram Shakti Niti (2025) for referencing Manusmriti, while the article notes that B.R. Ambedkar also drew from Manusmriti for the Hindu Code Bill.
- When
- The draft policy was released for public feedback in October 2025, and Jairam Ramesh tweeted his criticism on October 29, 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Ramesh claims that referencing Manusmriti in a modern labor policy is a regression and an insult to the Constitution, while the article argues that Ambedkar himself used Manusmriti for progressive reforms, suggesting a hypocrisy in Congress's criticism.
Jairam Ramesh's Criticism
Article's Counterpoint/Context
Reference to Manusmriti
Jairam Ramesh's Criticism
Manusmriti reference in the Shram Shakti Niti 2025 is a regression, an insult to the Constitution, and promotes the caste system.
Article's Counterpoint/Context
B.R. Ambedkar, who helped draft the Constitution, also drew inspiration from Manusmriti for the Hindu Code Bill, particularly for women's property rights, suggesting a historical precedent for using ancient texts.
Alignment with Values
Jairam Ramesh's Criticism
The reference aligns with RSS traditions and marks a departure from constitutional values.
Article's Counterpoint/Context
Ambedkar strategically invoked Manusmriti to show that progressive reforms have roots in Hindu tradition, indicating a nuanced approach rather than outright rejection.
Interpretation of Ancient Texts
Jairam Ramesh's Criticism
Manusmriti is solely associated with the caste system and discrimination.
Article's Counterpoint/Context
Manusmriti did not necessarily prescribe birth-based caste but a Guna and Karma-based social order, and its principles on property rights were progressive for their time.
- Policy Draft
- Shram Shakti Niti (2025)
- Congress Leader
- Jairam Ramesh
- Date of Ramesh's Tweet
- October 29, 2025
- RSS Stance on Constitution
- Attacked Constitution for not being based on Manusmriti values
- Ambedkar's Use of Manusmriti
- Drew inspiration for Hindu Code Bill regarding daughters' property rights