Social security for workers; equal pay for women; specific provisions for online, IT, and temporary employees: Labour Reform Code in effect

NEW DELHI: The labour reform codes, which ensure minimum wage, EPF and ESI benefits, social security, equal pay for women as men, including for workers in the unorganized sector, have come into force. This is aimed at bringing about a fundamental change in the country's employment sector. The central government's reform has merged 29 labour laws in various categories into four codes. The law, passed by Parliament in 2020, is now being implemented after discussions with those in the relevant sectors. The rules will come into force within a week.

The labour reform codes also ensure ESI benefits in establishments with less than 10 workers, ESI security in hazardous jobs even if there is only one employee, leave-service-wage benefits equal to those of contract workers and permanent workers, gratuity even after one year of employment, double wages for overtime, etc.

Women are permitted to work night shifts and in all types of work (including underground mining and heavy machinery), subject to their consent and mandatory safety measures. Audio-digital sector, electronic media, animation, cartoon, digital production, web serial, dubbing, stunt artist etc. have been made part of the visual media production sector.

Social security fund for unorganized workers

• Social security fund for 40 crore unorganised workers. Aggregators will contribute 1% to 2% of their annual turnover to this fund
• 100% health security for workers in hazardous sectors. Free annual health check-up for employees above 40 years of age
• Working hours for beedi and mine workers will be 8-12 hours. 48 hours a week. Salary for IT employees every 7th

Appointment order mandatory

Unorganized sector, online employees are covered under social security schemes like insurance, health, maternity benefits, and PF. Registration and licensing procedures of companies will be simplified. Appointment order will be mandatory while joining the job.