Impact of the Definition of ‘Wages’ on Statutory Benefits

Introduction The Code on Wages, 2019 has introduced a universal definition of wages that has been incorporated across the three other labour Codes as well. This definition is a marked departure from the multiple varied definitions of the term across different enactments. While the attempt to universalize the definition of such a key term is commendable, much remains to be seen with regards to its effects on wage structuring, payroll, and statutory benefits. The new…

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Implications of the ESIC Proposal to Increase the Wage Threshold

Introduction The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is a statutory body responsible for administering India’s flagship social insurance program. It is established under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 which empowers it to make rules with respect to the scheme under Section-95 of the Act. Rule-50 of the Employees’ State Insurance (Central) Rules provides for the wage threshold for coverage of an employee under the Act, and consequently the scheme. It was previously amended in…

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Employee State Insurance (ESI): Relevance in the Age of COVID-19

Introduction For a country like India that has an enormous working population, provision of social security and health related benefits through a public insurance scheme is both necessary and cost-effective. The Employee State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI) was enacted to establish a framework for a self-financing social security scheme that provided workers with numerous benefits. The Act established a statutory body in the form of the Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) that is responsible for…

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