New Labour Codes Set to Transform Employment Landscape

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured that the new labour codes will formalise employment, reduce inspector raj, and enhance workers' rights, including social security and minimum wage benefits. The reforms, covering sectors like mining, increase worker safety, and offer comprehensive rights to gig and platform workers.

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has dismissed concerns over the recent enforcement of labour codes, emphasising their role in formalising employment and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for industries. Amid fears of a 'hire and fire' culture and inspector raj, the minister assured that inspectors will now serve as facilitators rather than obstructers.

The new codes allow units with up to 300 workers to lay off without government permission, a change from the previous limit of 100 workers. This, according to Mandaviya, will prevent informal employment practices and ensure more workers benefit from formal employment rights.

The minister highlighted expanded rights under the codes, including enhanced safety measures for women working night shifts, comprehensive social security for all workers, including gig and platform workers, and a universal Aadhaar-linked account for seamless welfare benefit access.

(With inputs from agencies.)