Recent Reforms: Labour Codes (Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, OSH) — Key Changes (Basics) Questions

Question 1

How many labour codes were introduced under recent reforms?

Accepted Answer

**Four** labour codes (concept).

Question 2

Name any one labour code. (concept)

Accepted Answer

**Code on Wages** (or Industrial Relations Code / Social Security Code / OSH Code) (concept).

Question 3

A key purpose of labour codes is simplification of compliance. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. Labour codes aim at **consolidation** and simplification of compliance (concept).

Question 4

Which code deals with occupational safety and working conditions?

Accepted Answer

**OSH Code** (Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions) (concept).

Question 5

Code on Wages mainly relates to wages and minimum wages. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. **Code on Wages** provides a framework for wages, minimum wages and wage payment aspects (concept).

Question 6

State one common theme across labour codes (concept).

Accepted Answer

**Consolidation** of multiple laws into fewer codes (concept).

Question 7

List the four labour codes and one-line scope of each (use a table).

Accepted Answer

Four labour codes (concept):

| Code | Scope (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Code on Wages** | wages, minimum wages, wage payment, equal remuneration |
| **Industrial Relations Code** | trade unions, standing orders, industrial disputes |
| **Social Security Code** | social security benefits framework (PF/ESI-type, gratuity, etc.) |
| **OSH Code** | safety, health and working conditions |

Any correct one-line scope is sufficient.

Question 8

Write any three reasons why labour codes were introduced (points).

Accepted Answer

Reasons (any three) (concept):

- simplify fragmented labour laws into a uniform framework (**consolidation**) (concept)
- reduce overlapping definitions/procedures and improve clarity (concept)
- improve compliance through standardisation and digital systems (concept)
- extend coverage/portability of benefits (concept)

Any three points are sufficient.

Question 9

Explain common reform themes across labour codes using a small table (any three).

Accepted Answer

Common themes (concept):

| Theme | Meaning (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Consolidation** | merging multiple laws into fewer codes |
| **Simplification** | uniform procedures and reduced overlaps (concept) |
| Digital compliance | online registration/returns and easier tracking (concept) |
| Wider coverage (concept) | attempt to include more workers/establishments |

Any three themes are sufficient.

Question 10

Write any three compliance implications for employers due to labour codes (use points/table).

Accepted Answer

Compliance implications (any three) (concept):

- update **wage structures** and maintain wage/payment records
- maintain registers/returns and move towards digital compliance systems (concept)
- strengthen grievance handling and industrial relations documentation (concept)
- improve OSH safety systems, training and incident reporting (concept)

Any three points are sufficient.

Question 11

Differentiate Code on Wages and Social Security Code using a small table (brief).

Accepted Answer

Wages Code vs Social Security Code (concept):

| Point | **Code on Wages** | **Social Security Code** |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | wages, minimum wages, wage payment | social security benefits framework (concept) |
| Key outcomes | timely payment, reduced wage discrimination (concept) | medical/retirement/benefit systems and coverage (concept) |
| Compliance angle | wage records and payment processes | registration, contributions, benefit delivery records (concept) |

Thus, one deals with remuneration; the other with worker protection benefits (concept).

Question 12

Write any three common themes of labour code reforms and one example each (use a table).

Accepted Answer

Common themes (concept):

| Theme | Example (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Consolidation** | multiple laws merged into a single code framework |
| **Simplification** | uniform procedures/definitions to reduce overlap (concept) |
| Digital compliance | online registration/returns and easier compliance tracking (concept) |
| Wider coverage (concept) | attempt to include more categories of workers |

Any three themes with examples are sufficient.

Question 13

Write an exam-style answer on labour codes: need, four codes and common themes (include a table and conclusion).

Accepted Answer

### Need (concept)
Labour codes were introduced to **consolidate** multiple laws, reduce overlaps, and simplify compliance through uniform procedures and digital systems (concept).

### Four codes (table)
| Code | Scope (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Wages** | minimum wages, wage payment, equal remuneration |
| **Industrial Relations** | unions, standing orders, disputes/strikes (concept) |
| **Social Security** | social security benefits framework (concept) |
| **OSH** | safety, health and working conditions (concept) |

### Common themes
- consolidation, simplification, digital compliance, wider coverage (concept)

### Conclusion
A balanced approach aims to improve compliance and coverage while maintaining worker protection and industrial peace (concept).

Question 14

Discuss benefits and concerns of labour codes (balanced exam-style) using a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Balanced view (concept)
Labour codes offer simplification but raise implementation and protection concerns.

| **Benefits** (concept) | **Concerns** (concept) |
|---|---|
| simpler and uniform compliance | transition/implementation challenges |
| digital reporting and transparency (concept) | fear of reduced protection if flexibility dominates |
| potential wider coverage/portability (concept) | state-wise rule variations and awareness gaps |

### Conclusion
Effectiveness depends on clear rules, strong enforcement capacity and genuine worker protection while simplifying compliance (concept).

Question 15

Explain how an employer can prepare for labour code compliance (exam-style) using a flowchart and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Preparation flow (concept)
Identify applicable codes/rules → map current policies → update wage structure and records → set compliance calendar + digital filings → strengthen grievance & IR documentation → upgrade OSH safety systems/training → internal audits → inspection readiness (concept)

### Conclusion
A system-based approach with **documentation**, audits and training reduces compliance risk and supports stable industrial relations (concept).

Code	Scope (concept)
Code on Wages	wages, minimum wages, wage payment, equal remuneration
Industrial Relations Code	trade unions, standing orders, industrial disputes
Social Security Code	social security benefits framework (PF/ESI-type, gratuity, etc.)
OSH Code	safety, health and working conditions

Recent Reforms: Labour Codes (Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, OSH) — Key Changes (Basics)

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