The Centre has notified draft rules for the four new Labour Codes. These Labour Codes are – The Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. 

 

The rules define workers, wages, types of employment, gratuity, bonus and social security of workers, including gig workers.

 

These draft rules are open for public consultation, and stakeholders have been invited to submit objections and suggestions within 45 days.

 

The Labour Ministry had announced the implementation of these four new labour codes on 21st November last year to simplify and streamline the existing, decades-old labour laws in the country.

 

According to the Ministry, the new labour codes will ensure better wages, safety, social security and welfare for the country’s workforce. 

 

The Labour codes guarantee timely minimum wages for all workers, appointment letters for the youth, equal pay and respect for women, social security for 40 crore workers and gratuity for fixed-term employees after one year of employment. 

 

These reforms also ensure free annual health check-ups for workers above 40 years of age, double wages for overtime, and a guarantee of social justice for workers as per international standards.