Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have relaxed labour laws through an Ordinance route in the last two days. This has been done with the objective of boosting job creation in times of Covid-19. The lockdown and the fear of the pandemic have weakened the viability of businesses. The decision of the three States to reach out to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has to be seen in this context.

In the three States, only basic labour laws pertaining to workplace safety and minimum compensation to workers, among others, apply. Other compliances have been wiped out to attract investments.

"Gujarat has joined in labour laws relaxation for new units that work for 1200 days. Laws in three areas - minimum wages, safety and compensation in case of accidents to apply. Looks like a coordinated action by the BJP-governed States," writes Aashish Chandorkar.

The reform-minded commentariat has welcomed the steps taken by the States. "The CMs of Uttar Pradesh (Yogi Adityanath) and Madhya Pradesh (Shivraj Singh Chauhan) are leading major reforms drive which may help Hindi belt to play a significant part in GDP growth story," writes a columnist of Swarajya.