← All questionsGS3 · 2024 · Economy & Infrastructure ·Four Labour Codes: Merits, Demerits and Progress
QUESTION 11
GS3
15 marks

Discuss the merits and demerits of the four 'Labour Codes' in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?

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11 min
250 words

What the examiner wants

Discuss the merits and demerits of the four Labour Codes as labour market reform, and the progress in implementing them.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Codes: Wages (2019), Industrial Relations (2020), Social Security (2020), Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (2020) — merging 29 laws≈50 words
  2. 2Merits: simplification, universal minimum wage, gig worker recognition, fixed-term employment, easier compliance≈50 words
  3. 3Demerits: retrenchment threshold raised to 300, strike restrictions, weaker union power, state-level variation≈50 words
  4. 4Progress: passed 2019–20; rules framed by most states; implementation pending for years≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

CodesMeritsDemeritsProgressConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Not stating progress
  • Only merits

Draw this

  • Table: code → key change

Value addition

  • FactThe four codes merge 29 central labour laws.Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • FactThe Code on Social Security, 2020 defines gig and platform workers for the first time.Code on Social Security, 2020

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