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India Notifies Four New Labour Codes: Major Boost in Rights, Wages, and Social Security for All Working Classes
Government Implements Four Labour Codes, Scraps 29 Old Laws — Check Full Details: In a landmark labour reform, the Government of India on Friday formally notified the implementation of four major labour c labour ecosystem. According to PTI, the move consolidates 29 existing labour laws into a unified, transparent, and contemporary legal framework—benefiting millions of workers across sectors.
The Four Labour Codes
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020
These reforms are designed to ensure minimum wages, job security, safety standards, and universal social security coverage for workers—from traditional sectors to emerging gig and digital platforms.
Major Benefits for Different Working Classes
Fixed-Term Employees (FTEs)
- Entitled to all benefits available to permanent staff.
- Gratuity eligibility reduced to one year from the earlier five.
- Promotes direct employment over contract jobs.
Gig and Platform Workers
- Gig and platform work defined for the first time.
- Aggregators required to contribute 1–2% of annual turnover to social security funds.
- Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number ensures nationwide portability of benefits.
Contract Workers
- Guaranteed social security and health benefits by the principal employer.
- Free annual health check-ups mandated.
Women Workers
- No gender discrimination allowed in any workplace.
- Equal pay for equal work is compulsory.
- Women allowed to work night shifts and in all sectors—including mining and heavy machinery—with safety measures and consent.
- Inclusion of in-laws in the definition of dependents expands social security coverage.
Young Workers
- Minimum wages guaranteed.
- Appointment letters and payment during leave made mandatory.
- Central floor wages to support a dignified standard of living.
MSME Workers
- Covered under the Social Security Code.
- Access to minimum wages, safe working conditions, and timely wage payments.
Beedi and Cigar Workers
- Minimum wage guarantee.
- Regulated work hours with double pay for overtime.
- Eligibility for bonuses after 30 working days annually.
Plantation Workers
- Covered under OSHWC and Social Security Codes.
- Mandatory safety training and protective equipment.
- Full ESI medical benefits and educational facilities for children.
Audio-Visual and Digital Media Workers
- Appointment letters mandatory for transparency.
- Double wages for overtime and assured salary timelines.
Mining Workers
- Commuting accidents recognized as work-related under specific conditions.
- Standardised safety norms and free annual health check-ups.
Hazardous Industry Workers
- Strict national safety standards.
- Women allowed to work in hazardous roles with full safeguards.
- Mandatory on-site safety committees.
Textile Workers
- Equal pay and welfare benefits for all migrants.
- Double wages for overtime and flexibility for pending dues settlement claims.
IT & ITES Workers
- Salary payment by the 7th of every month is mandatory.
- Equal pay norms strengthened; women permitted night shifts.
- Guaranteed social security via fixed-term employment norms.
Dock Workers
- Formal recognition, social security, and annual employer-funded health check-ups assured.
- Mandatory PF, pension, and insurance benefits for all categories.
Export Sector Workers
- FTEs eligible for gratuity, PF, and social security.
- Right to annual leave after 180 days.
- No unauthorised deductions or salary ceilings.
- Night shift opportunities for women with safety measures including CCTV, secure transport, and supervision.
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