The need for labour reforms in India has been long-standing, particularly due to evolving market conditions post-globalization and the IT revolution's economic boom.

In response, the Indian government established the Second National Labour Commission on October 15, 1999, chaired by Mr. Ravindra Verma. The commission submitted its report on June 29, 2002. Based on its recommendations, the government began drafting new labour codes in 2015 to enhance ease of business. The four codes were finalized and approved by both houses in 2019.

These codes were drafted considering the commission's 60 recommendations. Recommendation 6 categorized them into four main types:

• Code on Wages

• Social Security Code

• Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code (OSHW Code)

• Industrial Relations Code (IR Code)

Other recommendations were also incorporated into each code.

This course provides an overview of all codes, emphasizing the expected changes in the HR executive role following their implementation. While media coverage has been extensive, consensus exists that these codes will streamline compliance requirements for corporations. This will bring ease of business and reduce HR executive workloads, though social security and overtime compensation provisions will increase corporate financial burdens.

The financial implications have fueled corporate opposition. Coupled with trade union objections and the Covid-19 pandemic, this has delayed implementation.

As the pandemic subsides, the government is poised to resolve disputes and enforce the codes, pending state government rule formation. This necessitates detailed knowledge of the labour codes for HR executives and aspirants, for which this course serves as an initial step.