New Delhi, May 26 (KNN) The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed “deep concerns” over the recent labour law amendments by state governments.

The labour unions have opposed the reforms and had asked the ILO to take up the issue with Indian government.

In a letter dated May 22, while assuring the labour unions of support, ILO had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the issue with state governments.

“Please allow me to assure you that the ILO Director-General has immediately intervened, expressing his deep concern at these recent events and appealing to the Prime Minister to send a clear message to Central and State governments to uphold the country's international commitments and encourage engagement in effective social dialogue,” said the chief of the Freedom of Association Branch of the ILO's International Labour Standards Department, Karen Curtis.

ILO's letter was in response to a joint complaint to ILO Director General by 10 labour unions after Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and some other States either suspended a large number of labour laws for two-three years or diluted them in an attempt to woo industry in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Congress-affiliated Indian National Trade Union Congress, Left-affiliated unions such as All India Trade Union Congress, Hind Mazdoor Sangh, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India United Trade Union Centre, were amongst who had flagged concerns to the ILO on May 14 through an e-mail.