In the latest development with regards to change in labour laws, there are four key labour laws that are ready with the Labour Ministry for the approval of Cabinet. These four laws include the Model Shop & Establishment Act, Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, Maternity Benefits Act, 1961, and the Amendments to the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923. These new labour laws are the outcome of a meeting between the officials of the Labour Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Amendments in the EPF & MP Act will provide EPFO subscribers an option to choose between EPF and the New Pension System as proposed by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the last Union Budget whereas the amendments in the Maternity Benefit Act could more than double the maternity leave to 26 weeks from the existing 12 weeks.
Also Read – Labour law reform bills to be introduced in February budget session
According to an English daily that quotes a senior government official, “The PMO has asked the Labour Ministry to send it the key legislations for consideration.” The idea is to line up enough legislations for the Parliament’s approval in the upcoming monsoon session. The first of several legislations that could soon get a go-ahead by the Union Cabinet is the Shop & Establishment Act, which will pave the way for retailers to remain open round the clock.
The Model Shop & Establishment Act is likely to come up for the Cabinet’s approval this week, after which three more bills could be taken up.
