This is an India's federal ministry which is responsible for enforcement of labour laws in general and legislations related to a worker's social security.

[2] The Ministry aims to create a healthy work environment for higher production and productivity and to develop and coordinate vocational skill training and employment.

[4] The thrust areas of the ministry are:[5] The results of recession[6] on employment in the eight selected sectors textiles including apparels, leather, metals, automobiles, gems & jewellery, transport, IT/BPO and handloom / powerloom were monitored starting from Oct–Dec 2008.

The overall employment in the eight selected sectors covered in the quarterly surveys has increased by 10.66 lakh (0.16%).

In IT/BPO sector the increase in the employment is maximum (6.9 lakh) during the year 2009–10.