5 years on, 4 labour codes come into effect

A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL said the rules will be issued in 5-7 days, after which they will also be enforced immediately.

- 

“Rules will keep coming. But all the sections that do not require rules will be implemented immediately,’ the official said.

Veena Gopalakrishnan, employment law partner, Trilegal, termed the notification one of the most significant and long-awaited overhauls of India’s employment law framework. As with any systemic shift, a number of practical questions emerge on how the transition from the older legislations to the new regime will unfold. Industry is looking for clarity on the mechanics of migration — how existing accruals will be honoured, how ongoing proceedings will be treated, and how compliance frameworks will evolve. “We hope that sustained dialogue between lawmakers, industry bodies, employers, and civil society will help ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, with minimal friction, even if not entirely seamless,’ she added.

Aparajita Rana, partner, AZB & Partners, said the codes include new provisions relevant for gig workers, fixed term workers, and ESI coverage, as well as bring in some consistency in the labour law landscape in India. “However, the states were asked to frame their own rules and supplement the central Act, while many states are ready with their rules, many aren’t — so the effective compliance will come into play once the states too notify their own rules,” Rana said.