'Insult to Constitution': Congress slams govt over Manusmriti reference in draft Shram Shakti policy
New Delhi (PTI): Stepping up its attack on the government over the draft Shram Shakti Niti, the Congress on Thursday claimed it draws inspiration from ancient texts like the Manusmriti and therefore is an "insult" to the Constitution as well as against the legacy of BR Ambedkar.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, cited the draft of the the Shram Shakti Niti 2025, and said it draws inspiration from the Manusmriti which has contributed to caste system and casteism in our country.
Speaking with PTI, Ramesh alleged the RSS was against the Constitution since it was adopted on November 26, 1949, on the grounds that it is not based on the values of the Manusmriti.
"Now the draft of the Modi government stated that the Shram Shakti Niti draws inspiration not from the Constitution of India but from ancient texts like the Manusmriti. This is an insult to our Constitution and must be condemned," he said.
Ramesh also questioned as to why the NDA's double engine in Bihar did not secure Constitutional protection to the quota law.
"The Constitution is being insulted and attacked on a daily basis and to say that our policy is being based on the Manusmriti is completely against the legacy of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Ramesh said.
The Congress on Wednesday had accused the Modi government of returning to the principles of Manusmriti by coming out with a new draft Shram Shakti policy released earlier this month which claims 'Manusmriti' embeds the moral basis of labour governance within the civilisational fabric.
Ramesh had shared the text of the new policy which says, "Ancient texts such as the Manusmriti, Yajnavalkyasmriti, Naradasmriti, Sukraniti, and Arthashastra articulated this ethos through the concept of rajadharma, emphasising the sovereign's duty to ensure justice, fair wages, and the protection of workers from exploitation.
"These early formulations embedded the moral basis of labour governance within India's civilisational fabric, centuries before the rise of modern labour law."
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Iqra aims to create leaders for community: Syed Mohamed Beary at Annual Day in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: “The aim of Iqra is to create leaders for the community,” said Syed Mohamed Beary while presiding over the Annual Day 2026 and Hifz felicitation programme of Iqra Arabic School, highlighting the institution’s focus on leadership and long-term community development.
Presiding over the event, Syed Mohamed Beary, Chairman of the Moulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Educational and Charitable Trust, Mangaluru, spoke at length about the journey of the institution since its launch in 2000. He recalled the early days of the school and said it was started with a clear vision to serve the community through education rooted in values. He expressed pride in how the institution has grown over the years, both in strength and in its role within the community.
He said Iqra Arabic School was not built only to provide basic education, but to nurture individuals who can take responsibility and guide society. According to him, the institution has consistently worked towards shaping students into capable leaders who can face present-day challenges while staying connected to their roots. He stressed that the focus has always been on building character along with knowledge.
The programme was compered by Moulana Farhan Nadwi, who introduced the vision of the institution and said the school strives to prepare leaders and scholars who can respond to modern challenges faced by the community.
Chief guest Moulana Maqbool Kobatte, Principal, Jamia Islamia Bhatkal, congratulated the students and their parents for completing the memorisation of the Qur’an. He said these Huffaz are part of Allah’s promise of preserving the Qur’an until the Day of Judgement. He described the Qur’an as a guide for life and said while recitation is important, it is equally necessary to practise its teachings. He also noted that in the race for worldly success, people are moving away from values such as humanity, brotherhood and unity.
Taha Mateen, Chairman and Managing Director of ACURA Speciality Hospital, said the community should not forget its Islamic roots and history. He recited lines of poetry by Iqbal: “Kabhi ae nawjawaan Muslim tadabbur bhi kiya tu ne, wo kya gardu tha tu jiska hai ek toota hua taara.” He stressed the need to understand the Qur’an and recognise its importance, and urged students to continue learning across different fields without stopping at any stage. He congratulated the students, parents and the management.
Dr. C P Habeeb Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director o Unity Health Complex, Mangaluru said there is a need for introspection within the Muslim community to understand what has gone wrong and why it has fallen behind despite contributing to global civilisation. He also spoke about the lack of leadership within the community.
Students presented cultural programmes based on Islamic teachings during the event. Two of the books authored by the students of the institution were also released during the event
A total of 18 students who completed Hifz this year were felicitated and presented with mementos by the guests. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Moulana Salim Khalifa, the principal of the institution.
