10 States/UTs hold up labour codes rollout

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

labour codes new composite laws covering wages, social security, industrial relations and worker safety hangs in the balance as at least 10 states and union territories are yet to frame rules for two or more codes. Labour, being a concurrent subject, the Centre wants the rollout of the codes only when all states are on board to avoid legal issues after implementation. Here’s a look at the state-wise progress.


What are the four labour codes:

Labour Code on Wages, 2019

• Subsumes four central labour laws
• Guarantees minimum wage to all
• Empowers Centre to fix floor wage
• Revision of minimum wages every five years
• Equal remuneration to male and female workers

Social Security Code, 2020

• Subsumes nine central labour laws
• Aims at universal social security for all workers
• Gives recognition to gig and platform workers
• Expand the scope of EPFO’s pension scheme
• To set up social security fund for unorganised workers

Industrial Relations Code, 2020

• Subsumes three central labour laws
• Exempts establishments with up to 300 workers (raised from 100 earlier) from seeking permission before retrenchment/ closure.
• Retrenched worker gets 15 days wages for reskilling
• Unemployment benefit under ABVKY
• Worker dispute to be resolved within a year

Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code (OSH&WC), 2020

• Subsumes 13 central labour laws
• Work week capped at 48 hours
• National database for inter-state migrant workers
• Mandatory free annual health checkup
• Travelling allowance, appointment letter made mandatory