Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today said that 29 labour laws have been simplified and grouped into four labour codes to minimise paperwork and reduce approval requirements. Speaking at the National Trade Leaders Conference in New Delhi, he said the new labour codes promote better labour practices, ensure occupational safety for workers, guarantee minimum wages at the national level, and extend social security benefits, including for gig workers.
The Minister further informed that 275 to 300 provisions are expected to be removed through the upcoming Jan Vishwas Bill 3.0. He said the government is also considering a pilot project for a single-licence system for traders at local body and state government levels to streamline regulatory processes.
Mr Goyal added that Free Trade Agreement negotiations are set to begin with several African nations, Brazil, and MERCOSUR member countries- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while Canada also remains in line for further FTA deliberations.
