Context:
The Union Government has pre-published the Draft Rules for the four Labour Codes, inviting public comments within 45 days. The Rules operationalize major reforms including a 48-hour work week, safeguards for women in night shifts, revised definitions of wages and employment, and expanded social security coverage, including for gig and unorganized workers.
Key Highlights:
Work Hours & Employment Norms
• Mandates a 48-hour work week.
• Defines categories of workers: permanent, temporary, fixed-term employment.
• Clarifies provisions on wages, bonus, gratuity, and social security.
Women’s Night Shift Safety
• Employment permitted with:
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Written consent
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Transportation facilities
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CCTV surveillance and safety measures
Social Security Expansion
• Formation of a National Social Security Board for unorganized workers.
• Board to include representatives of gig/platform workers and associations.
• Establishments with 50+ employees must provide a creche facility.
Minimum Wage Framework
• Based on criteria including:
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Standard working-class family
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2,700 calories per day requirement
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Housing, clothing, education expenditure
• Government to consider:
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Geographical area
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Skill level
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Experience
• A Technical Committee, headed by the Director-General of Employment, to advise on skill categorization.
Codification Structure
• Code on Wages – Consolidates 18 previous laws (minimum wages, equal remuneration).
• Code on Social Security – Merges 12 laws (ESI, EPF, gratuity, unorganized workers’ welfare).
• Industrial Relations Code – Governs trade unions and dispute resolution.
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code – Workplace safety norms.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Issue & Causes:
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Fragmented labour laws (29 central laws earlier).
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Low formalization and inadequate worker protection.
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Growing gig economy.
• Benefits:
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Simplification and transparency.
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Ease of doing business.
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Inclusion of unorganized and gig workers.
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Gender inclusion in workforce.
• Challenges:
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Implementation capacity of States.
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Concerns over labour rights dilution.
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Enforcement in informal sector.
• Impact:
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Formalization of labour market.
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Improved social security coverage.
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Greater labour flexibility.