Centre Convenes Meeting with States to Expedite Labour Codes Roll-Out
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The central government of India has convened a meeting with all states to expedite the roll-out of the labour codes. This initiative aims to address the delays in implementing the four labour codes passed by Parliament between 2019 and 2020. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, brought together Labour Ministers and Secretaries from various states and Union Territories.
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The primary objectives of this meeting were to:
Streamline Regulations: The new labour codes consolidate 29 central labour laws into four codes, namely the Code on Wages, 2019; Code on Social Security, 2019; Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020; and the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This consolidation is intended to simplify and streamline the regulatory framework, making it easier for businesses to comply with labour laws.
Enhance Flexibility: The new codes provide more flexibility in labour laws, which is expected to attract investments and promote economic growth. This flexibility includes provisions for fixed-term employment, easier hiring and firing processes, and adaptable working conditions.
Increase Awareness and Compliance: The meeting also focused on increasing awareness about the applicable labour laws and the services provided by relevant labour institutions. This is crucial for ensuring that both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations under the new codes.
Promote Formal Job Creation: The delay in implementing the labour codes has been a significant barrier to formal job creation. By hastening the roll-out, the government aims to provide clarity to businesses, thereby encouraging them to expand and create more formal jobs.
Build Consensus: The meeting was part of broader efforts to build consensus among states and stakeholders on the implementation of the labour codes. This includes addressing any concerns or challenges that states might have, ensuring a coordinated and uniform approach across the country.
Overall, the central government's initiative to convene this meeting is a significant step towards overcoming the delays in implementing the labour codes. By enhancing flexibility, streamlining regulations, and promoting awareness, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for economic growth and job creation.