The new labour codes in India have been a long-awaited and much-needed reform in the country’s labour laws. These codes, which were recently passed by the Parliament, aim to promote better labour practices, ensure occupational safety for workers, guarantee minimum wages at the national level, and extend social security benefits. This is a significant step towards creating a more favourable environment for both employees and employers, and it is a clear indication of the government’s commitment towards labour welfare.
One of the key highlights of the new labour codes is the consolidation of various labour laws into four codes – Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security, and Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions. This move will simplify and streamline the existing labour laws, making it easier for both employers and employees to understand and comply with them. It will also reduce the compliance burden on businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, and promote ease of doing business.
The new codes also address the long-standing demand of ensuring minimum wages at the national level. Until now, minimum wages were fixed by the central government only for certain industries, while the states were responsible for fixing minimum wages for other sectors. This often led to discrepancies and exploitation of workers. The new codes mandate that minimum wages will be fixed by the central government for all workers, regardless of the sector they are employed in. This will ensure that workers receive fair wages and are not subjected to discrimination based on their industry or location.
In addition to promoting better labour practices, the new codes also focus on ensuring occupational safety for workers. The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions lays down comprehensive guidelines for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. It mandates that every employer must provide a safe workplace, conduct regular health and safety audits, and take necessary measures to prevent accidents and injuries. This is a crucial step towards protecting the physical and mental well-being of workers and preventing workplace accidents.
Moreover, the new codes extend social security benefits to a larger section of the workforce. The Code on Social Security consolidates various social security laws and expands the coverage of benefits to include gig and platform workers, unorganised sector workers, and even self-employed individuals. This is a significant move towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where all workers are entitled to social security benefits and can lead a dignified life.
The new labour codes also aim to promote ease of compliance for employers. They introduce a single registration and licensing system, making it easier for businesses to obtain necessary permits and licenses. The codes also allow for online filing of returns and other documents, reducing the administrative burden on employers. This will not only save time and resources but also promote transparency and accountability in the system.
The government has also taken into consideration the concerns of the trade unions and workers’ representatives while drafting the new labour codes. The codes have been formulated after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, ensuring that the interests of both employees and employers are taken into account. This collaborative approach is commendable and reflects the government’s commitment towards promoting a healthy and harmonious relationship between employers and employees.
The new labour codes have received widespread support from various industries and trade unions. It is seen as a progressive step towards creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while safeguarding the rights and interests of workers. It is expected to boost economic growth and create more job opportunities, which is crucial in the current scenario, where the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the job market.
In conclusion, the new labour codes are a game-changer in the Indian labour landscape. They promote better labour practices, ensure occupational safety for workers, guarantee minimum wages at the national level, and extend social security benefits. These codes are a testament to the government’s commitment towards creating a conducive environment for businesses to grow and prosper while taking care of the welfare of workers. It is a step in the right direction and will go a long way in building a more inclusive and equitable society.
