Code debate: The Hindu Editorial on new labour codes

Some laws are far too important and have far too much impact on the people to be passed in haste or without sufficient deliberation. The Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, are an updated version of the respective Codes of 2019, which were scrutinised by a Standing Committee. The root of the idea of consolidated labour codes goes back to the June 2002 report of the Second National Commission on Labour. A positive feature is that the Social Security Code promises the establishment of social security funds for unorganised workers, as well as gig and platform workers, and also says their welfare would be addressed by the National Social Security Board. A contentious section allows the appropriate government to exempt any new factory from all provisions of the Code on occupational health, safety and working conditions.