Four labour codes consolidate laws

“The appropriate Government has been (given) full flexibility for fixing the limit of overtime hours.

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Earlier this limit was 7S hours ina quarter which can now be fixed by appropriate government. The provision gives two benefits to workers, viz, opportunity to earn more by doing overtime and get paid at higher wage (double the normal wage rate),” the statement added.

The definition of Inter-State Migrant Workermen hasalso been widened.

The definition has been widened toinclude those employed directly or through contractor and also covers workers who migrate on their own. For the purpose of collection of data while seeking registration, license; anestablishment would have to necessarily indicate the number of ISMW employed in his establishment.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment hasalso taken steps to develop a national database to enroll unorganized workers including migrants. It will help migrant workers get jobs, map theirskillsand provide other social security benefits. This will ensure availability of data for ISMW and help in better policy formulation for unorganized sector workers.

The Code empowers the courts, upon conviction ofan offender for contravention of any duties, to direct that at Ieast50% of the fine imposed be paid as compensation to the victim in case of serious bodily injury or their legal heirs in case of death.