Int’l bodies ISSA, ILO welcome India’s four new Labor Codes
The International Labour Organization (ILO) along with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) welcomed the four new Indian Labour Codes. “India’s Labour Codes add momentum to global efforts for stronger, more inclusive social security systems,” ISSA said. The four new Labour Codes were implemented by the government on Friday and have rationalised 29 existing labour laws.
This move is expected to bring about significant changes in the labour landscape of India, providing a more streamlined and efficient framework for employers and employees alike. The four new Labour Codes are the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and the Social Security Code, 2020. These codes aim to provide a more comprehensive and cohesive framework for labour laws in India, replacing the existing 29 laws and regulations.
The introduction of these new Labour Codes has been a long-awaited move, with the Indian government having first proposed the idea of consolidating and streamlining labour laws back in 2014. Since then, there have been numerous consultations and discussions with stakeholders, including employers, employees, and trade unions, to finalize the codes. The new codes have been designed to provide a more modern and flexible framework for labour laws, taking into account the changing needs of the Indian economy and workforce.
One of the key features of the new Labour Codes is the emphasis on social security. The Social Security Code, 2020, provides a comprehensive framework for social security benefits, including provident fund, pension, and insurance benefits. The code also provides for the establishment of a social security fund, which will be used to provide benefits to workers in the unorganized sector. This move is expected to provide a significant boost to the social security net in India, particularly for workers in the informal sector who have traditionally been excluded from social security benefits.
The new Labour Codes also place a strong emphasis on occupational safety and health. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and health of workers in the workplace. The code requires employers to provide a safe working environment, and to take measures to prevent accidents and injuries. This move is expected to lead to a significant reduction in workplace accidents and injuries, and to improve the overall health and well-being of workers in India.
The introduction of the new Labour Codes has been welcomed by international bodies, including the ILO and ISSA. “India’s Labour Codes add momentum to global efforts for stronger, more inclusive social security systems,” ISSA said. The ILO has also welcomed the move, stating that the new codes will help to promote decent work and social justice in India. The ILO has been working closely with the Indian government to provide technical assistance and support for the implementation of the new codes.
The new Labour Codes are also expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy. By providing a more streamlined and efficient framework for labour laws, the codes are expected to attract more foreign investment and to promote economic growth. The codes are also expected to lead to an increase in employment opportunities, particularly in the formal sector. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the overall economic development of India, and to help the country achieve its goal of becoming a major economic power.
However, the introduction of the new Labour Codes has not been without controversy. Some trade unions and worker organizations have expressed concerns that the codes will lead to a reduction in labour rights and benefits. They have also expressed concerns that the codes will lead to an increase in contractual and temporary work, which could have negative consequences for workers. The Indian government has, however, assured that the codes will not lead to a reduction in labour rights and benefits, and that they will continue to protect the interests of workers.
In conclusion, the introduction of the four new Indian Labour Codes is a significant move that is expected to have a major impact on the labour landscape of India. The codes have been welcomed by international bodies, including the ILO and ISSA, and are expected to provide a more streamlined and efficient framework for labour laws in India. While there have been some concerns expressed by trade unions and worker organizations, the Indian government has assured that the codes will not lead to a reduction in labour rights and benefits. Overall, the introduction of the new Labour Codes is a positive move that is expected to promote decent work and social justice in India, and to contribute to the country’s economic development.
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