‘Dignity for Every Worker’: How India’s New Labour Codes Transform Employee Rights

India’s labour system is undergoing a historic change. The four new Labour Codes are now active, bringing together 29 earlier laws into one modern set of rules. The government describes this as the most far-reaching reform since independence, expected to transform wages, worker protections, and social security.

What Exactly Are the New Labour Codes?

The four codes—covering Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety, aim to simplify a complex web of old regulations. Their primary goal is to extend protections to all workers, whether they are in formal roles, the informal sector, or part of the growing gig economy. By creating a single, clear system, the government intends to ensure that core benefits are no longer a privilege for a few but a right for the many. The goal of this action is to align India's labor laws with the demands of a contemporary economy.

What Are All Workers Universal Guarantees?

The government has outlined a set of core guarantees that apply across sectors:

• A guarantee of timely minimum wages for all workers.
• A guarantee of appointment letters for the youth.
• A guarantee of social security for an estimated 40 crore workers.
• A guarantee of double wages for any overtime worked.
• Free annual health check-ups for workers above 40 years of age.

How Do Codes Protect Particular Employee Groups?

The reforms introduce targeted benefits for different segments of the workforce:

Gig & Platform Workers: Clear legal definition and mandatory social security contributions from aggregator companies.

Fixed-Term Employees: After just one year of employment, they are eligible for gratuities and get the same perks as permanent employees.

Women Workers: Equal compensation for equal work, a legal prohibition on gender discrimination, and authorization for night shifts with safety precautions.

MSME & IT Workers: Guaranteed minimum wage, standard working hours, double overtime pay, and timely salary payment by the 7th of every month.

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Which Cross-Sector Reforms Are More Wide-Ranging?

The codes bring about systemic changes in addition to personal advantages:

• A National Floor Wage to ensure a minimum living standard.
• Gender-neutral pay and job opportunities.
• Faster dispute resolution through Industrial Tribunals.
• Single registration and return systems to ease compliance for businesses.
• Updated safety standards and mandatory safety committees in large establishments.

In order to achieve "dignity for every worker," the government presents these reforms as an essential step toward an independent and thriving India by 2047.

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