Introduction
The Code on Wages Bill, 2019 (hereinafter referred as the "Code") was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 02 August 2019 and received the assent of the President on 08 August 2019. The Code has amended and transformed the labour laws of the country with the objective to secure the interest of the workers with sustained economic development. The Code intends to make the existing labour legislations in sync with the economic scenario. The said Code aims at reducing complexity by providing uniform definitions and bringing transparency and accountability in the enforcement of labour laws. The Code has extended legislative protection to all workforces irrespective of the sector, in the form of 'minimum wages'. Such legislative reformation will result in the sharing of the benefit of economic growth with the entire workforce, thus, promoting productivity as well as reduction in inequalities.
The Code has been drafted after amalgamation, simplification and rationalization of the relevant provisions of the following important labour laws. The following labour laws have been repealed with the enactment of the Code.
a. The Payment of Wages Act, 1936;
b. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948;
c. The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and
d. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
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