Along with bringing transparency and accountability in enforcement of Labour Laws, the Government has taken various initiatives to realize and establish the dignity of every worker through provision of social security, enhancing the avenues and quality of employment along with industrial development. Recent major reforms are:
Introduction of Labour Codes
In line with recommendations of Second National Commission on Labour, the Government has taken steps for formulating of four Labour Codes on (i) Wages; (ii) Industrial Relations; (iii) Social Security & Welfare; and (iv) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions by amalgamating, simplifying, and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the existing Central Labour Laws.
Launching of Shram Suvidha Portal
The Government has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017
It Increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and has benefited 18 Lakh women employees. Recently Government proposed to bear 7 weeks of salary to motivate employers. ‘This policy will be finalised after approval by the competent forum.
The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2018
Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 15th March, 2018 and by the Rajya Sabha on 22nd March, 2018, has been brought in force on 29th March, 2018. The present upper ceiling on gratuity amount under the Act has been raised from Rs. 10 Lakh, to Rs. 20 Lakhs.
Atal BimitVyakti Kalyan Yojana
Considering the change in employment pattern and the current scenario of employment in India which has transformed from a long term employment to short term engagement in form of contract and temping, the ESI Corporation has approved a Scheme named “ATAL BIMITVYAKTI KALYAN YOJANA” for Insured Persons (IPs) covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.