The long-awaited Labour Codes are back in the spotlight, with the Ministry of Labour actively preparing for their potential implementation. The Ministry is reviewing the implementation process, drafting regulations, and working on notifications for various provisions, including the social security fund for informal workers.
Most states have also prepared draft rules for public consultation, paving the way for swift notification once a decision on implementation is made. The Ministry is ensuring that all necessary groundwork is completed, allowing the new government, which will be formed in June, to decide on the way forward.
the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.
While Parliament has passed these codes, their notification requires consensus among states as labour falls under the concurrent list of the Constitution, allowing both the Centre and states to enact legislation. Concerns from both industry and trade unions had previously stalled the notification process in several states. However, the Centre has since engaged in extensive consultations to build consensus on the various provisions.