Saksham GoelAIR 27 · CSE 2021 · 238 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a quotation
"In India, labour laws are neither pro-business nor pro-worker, rather pro-inspector" - Manish Sabarwal (Indian Express)
The Labour Codes were passed by Parliament in 2019-20.
Body · points
Advantages and Merits
(1) Recognition and clear definition of all categories of workers including gig workers. (2) Provision and mechanisms to formalise informal worker segment. (3) Procedure established for proper contracts. (4) Establishment of obligations of the employers including retrenchment package, work conditions, etc. (5) In line with Article 43 - the state shall endeavour to secure a living wage, decent work conditions and full enjoyment of social leisure to agricultural and industrial workers. (6) Simplified process for hire and fire, and reduced compliance burden for establishments employing less than 300 workers.
Potential Concerns regarding the laws
(1) The oral contracts - a dominant practice - remain exploitative. (2) The factory-owners can delay strikes by continuous malafide negotiation process. (3) Easier hire and fire is also seen as against the interests of the workers. (4) The portal for recognition of informal workers is yet to be developed. (5) Awareness regarding rights among the workers remains minimal. (6) The laws, although passed, have not yet been implemented. (7) The "inspector and enabler's" role is also unclear and needs to be monitored.
Close · a way forward
The labour laws are a much needed reform which need to be coupled with new capital (education policy) and land (agri-reforms) for a $5 Trillion economy in New India of 2022.
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