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However, opposition parties have raised questions about the timing of the laws, the intent of the reforms and its potential misuse by employers. Some have even termed them “anti-labor codes”, while others say that they were introduced only for the “convenience of the capitalists”. However, ruling BJP leaders and state chiefs have welcomed the move.
Congress raises questions on efficiency and reality
Congress’s communication general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, said that 29 existing labour-related laws have been re-packed into 4 codes. This is being promoted as a revolutionary reform even though the rules have not been notified yet.
He outlined the following five demands in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and questioned whether these codes make these demands of India’s workers a reality for labor justice.
1. national minimum wage 400 per day, which also includes MNREGA
2. Right to Health law that would provide universal health coverage 25 lakhs
3. Employment Guarantee Act for Urban Areas
4. Comprehensive social security for all unorganized workers including life insurance and accident insurance
5. Commitment to stop contracting employment in major government works
He further advised that the Modi government should learn from the examples of the Congress government in Karnataka and the former government in Rajasthan, “which have led labor reforms for the 21st century with their unprecedented gig worker laws” that preceded the new code.
‘Anti-labor codes for capitalists violate workers’ rights’
Communist Party of India (CPI) Kerala state secretary Binoy Viswam termed the reforms as an anti-worker code brought in for the profit of corporates.
“These are anti-labor codes… These 4 codes are not for the safety of workers, but for the greed of profiteers and corporate votes… Modi government has become the CEO of the corporate exploiters of the country…” Vishwam told news agency ANI.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also agreed with these views and said, “The new labor code that is being talked about in the country is being introduced only for the convenience of the capitalists. These labor codes have been introduced to snatch away the legal rights that the laborers and working class in India should have got as per the Constitution…”
CPI-M MP John Brittas said the government wants to “crush the hard-won rights of workers” with these laws. “In one stroke, they want to eliminate the rights and privileges earned by workers in this country. Now, 75% of the workers will be at the mercy of the employer,” he said, according to ANI.
He said, “There should be no conditions that ensure permanent employment for them; contract labor will come into existence. 70-71% of industries do not need to consider the job security of the worker. They can hire and fire people as per their wish.”
BJP defends, appreciates and welcomes the codes
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the new code and said that it will play a big role in increasing employment opportunities and boost the country’s economy.
BJP leader Mohsin Raza said, “Prime Minister Modi is bringing laws and reforms for the benefit of the people and the country. We are taking women empowerment forward, bringing them forward. All reforms are aimed at strengthening the society as a whole…” according to ANI.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant wrote on Twitter, “I wholeheartedly welcome the implementation of the new labor codes constituted under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Union Ministry of Labor and Employment.”
Sawant said, “These transformational reforms are a historic step towards ensuring dignity, security and empowerment for every worker. A milestone in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient and developed India.”
The government on November 21 notified the Labor Code – Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Social Security Code (2020) and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), which were passed by Parliament five years ago.
These reforms, to be implemented with immediate effect, aim to provide minimum wages to all workers as well as provide them social security, PF, ESIC and insurance benefits.