The Ministry of Labour and Employment on Friday announced nine Bills it wants tabled and passed in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. These include two codes that are part of the Modi government’s initiative to simplify India’s labour laws, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya told reporters.
“As part of the initiative of the Modi government, 44 labour laws are to become four consolidated codes. Two of these codes — the code on wages and the code on industrial relations — are to be tabled in the winter session,” he said.
The two codes have been discussed at length, the Minister said, adding that while there were some differences among the interested parties, they would soon be sorted out. The codes will then be prepared for Cabinet approval, following which, they will be tabled in Parliament.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Through these codes, the rights of workers will be protected, plus they will help in employment generation and the ease of doing business,” Mr. Dattatreya said.
Other Bills that are to be tabled in Parliament include the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill and the Payment of Bonus Amendment Bill.
The Ministry will also look to table the Small Factory Amendment Bill, the Minimum Wage Amendment Bill, the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Amendment Bill, the Building and Other Construction Workers Related Laws Amendment Bill and the Employee State Insurance Amendment Bill.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, these will first need Cabinet clearance before they can be tabled in Parliament.
“I hope in this Parliament session, in the interest of the workers, all political parties cooperate and pass the Bills,” the Minister said.
The winter session is between November 24 and December 23.