Roy, Sagar

What does labour gain with integration in the global value chain?: Reflections on the Indian information technology sector - Economic & Political Weekly - 61(21), May 23, 2026: p.49-57


The Indian IT sector, since the neo-liberal reforms, has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. While the mainstream narratives suggest that the Indian IT sector’s success is a result of laissez-faire policies, this paper argues that state intervention played a critical role in shaping its trajectory. Furthermore, with empirical analysis, this paper highlights how the Indian state facilitated growth at the cost of labour protection by deregulating labour markets, suppressing unionisation, and promoting a flexible workforce. Finally, the paper assesses whether labour has meaningfully benefited from integration in global value chains or if it still remains constrained by the industry’s political economy.- Reproduced

https://www.epw.in/journal/2026/21/special-articles/what-does-labour-gain-integration-global-value.html