New Delhi: The Indian National Congress, while terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives of 'Make in India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat' as mere slogans, said that in the last ten years, the country has seen a large number of people leaving employment and going into agriculture.

Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on Tuesday, Congress party spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said, "The Modi government is boasting that the unemployment rate in the country has reduced significantly.

"But they forget to tell you one figure. According to the Modi government, if you do any work at home, it is considered employment."

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), till 2018-19, more than three crore people had shifted to agriculture, he said.

Dikshit said that for the first time, it has happened in the history of India where, on the one hand, Prime Minister Modi was giving the slogan 'Make in India' and on the other hand, people were leaving employment and going into agriculture.

Citing the Annual Survey of Industries 2011–12, Dikshit said, "Only 28 percent of factories used to take contract labour, while 72 percent provided permanent employment.

"But in last year's report, the figure increased from 28 percent to 98 percent. Now gradually, permanent employment will also be converted into contractual".

"That is why the Congress party has brought Shramik Nyay so that people can get justice," the Congress leader said.

He said that, when the INDIA alliance forms the government, it will come up with labour justice, health rights, an urban employment guarantee, social security, and secure employment.

He also said that the Congress will comprehensively review the anti-worker labour codes passed by the Modi government, adding that the party also guarantees appropriate amendments to protect workers' rights.

Replying to a question on Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury inviting the Bharatiya Janata Party's Varun Gandhi to join the Congress, Dikshit said that he cannot comment on the issue as he is not aware of it.

To another question on Supriya Shrinate's post on Kangana Ranaut, the Congress leader said that the leader had already clarified the matter yesterday. And she was finding out who had posted the comment.

(With UNI inputs)