HR Weekly Updates – Published on 14 November 2025
Welcome back to the second edition of HR Weekly Updates.
The week of 8th–14th November 2025 brought major shifts in AI governance, hybrid work norms, India’s talent readiness, and the rising challenge of employee well-being.
Here are the key updates you need to know.
1. AI Regulation Push: Companies Introduce Internal AI Governance Teams
AI adoption in HR is rising, but so are concerns about fairness and bias. Several major companies formed AI Governance / AI Oversight Teams to regulate the use of AI in hiring, performance evaluation, and employee analytics.
Key Points:
- AI screening tools were found unintentionally excluding candidates from Tier-III colleges and non-metro regions.
- The Responsible AI Consortium (2025) reported 1 in 5 companies faced unintended hiring bias.
- Companies like Infosys, Wipro, and multiple BFSI firms initiated structured AI audit mechanisms.
HR takeaway: HR must ensure transparency, fairness, and regular audits in AI-based decision-making.
Source: Live Mint – Adaptability, experimental workstyles will define future of work
2. Pondicherry Government Clears Proposal for 100% Women-Run Factory
The Puducherry government issued a notification during the week allowing women employees in factories to work night shifts up to 10 p.m., subject to safety measures and employer compliance.
Key Points:
Permission extended for women to work till 10 p.m. in all registered factories.
Mandatory requirements include safe transportation, workplace safety provisions, and no discrimination in shift allocation.
Employers must ensure adequate security, rest intervals, and grievance redress mechanisms. HR takeaway: Industries in Puducherry can now expand women’s workforce participation in evening operations while ensuring compliance with safety norms.
Source: The Hindu – Puducherry govt allows women to work night shifts in factories till 10 p.m.
3. India Opens Consultation on National Labour & Employment Policy 2025 (Shram Shakti Niti)
The Ministry of Labour released the draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025, a major step toward modernizing India’s labour ecosystem.
Key Points:
- Government to act as an “employment facilitator.”
- Push for universal social security, income protection, and AI-enabled governance.
- MSMEs to see simplified compliance frameworks.
- Long-term roadmap for India’s future labour market.
HR takeaway: This policy will influence hiring, contract labour, and compliance strategies for years ahead.
Source:
Ministry of Labour & Employment – Draft Policy Release
4. Gujarat: BMS Rally in Ahmedabad Demands Labour Reforms
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) organised a major rally in Ahmedabad on 11 Nov 2025 urging the state and central governments to accelerate labour reforms.
Demands Raised:
- Effective enforcement of minimum wages.
- Stronger protection for contract and gig workers.
- Faster rollout of social-security measures.
- Strengthening of inspection & grievance mechanisms.
HR takeaway: Gujarat is witnessing increasing labour activism, requiring employers to stay alert on compliance and worker relations.
Source:
The Times of India – Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh rally in city presses for labour reforms
5. Compliance Corner: EPFO Issues New Clarifications on Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025
EPFO released additional guidelines under the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025.
Key Clarifications:
- Employers declaring previously unregistered employees will receive a full waiver of damages under Section 14B.
- Verification timeline increased from 15 to 30 days, providing relief for employers with large manpower.
HR Action Points:
- Review all contractors and manpower suppliers.
- Identify long-term temporary workers eligible for PF.
- Close pending PF compliance gaps.
HR takeaway: India is accelerating efforts toward universal social security and workforce formalization.
Source:
The Tribune – Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025 launched
The Week in One Line
HR today must be a guardian of fairness (AI), an architect of culture (hybrid work), and a strategist for the talent future (skills gap).What was the most important HR news you spotted this week? Drop it in the comments, your insights may feature in next week’s edition.
By Mit
HR Professional
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