April 2, 2021
Day 128
Labour Codes Deferred
Yesterday, the Fin Min reinstated the small savings tax interest rate to 2020-21 last quarter. She called the earlier change in the rate ‘oversight’. We know this change in the middle of elections is to better BJP’s prospects. West Bengal is the topmost contributor to National Small Savings and Tamil Nadu is 4th in gross savings but No.1 in per capita savings.
What we missed in the hullabaloo is the four Labour Codes that became Laws along with Farm Laws in September 2020 were also to be implemented yesterday. With these, there will be significant changes in the way basic pay and provident fund of employees are calculated. But this did not happen.
Ask why?
The government says because many states have not formulated their own code. Since labour is a Concurrent Subject, both the Centre and the states would have to notify rules under the codes to bring those into force in their respective jurisdictions. So, unless states co-operate, even though there are new laws, the Codes cannot be implemented.
To me, the real reason for deferring the implementation of the Codes is the onging #FarmersProtest. The government is scared of the backlash from workers around the country. No media is telling you that.
#Mazdoor_Kisan_Ekta_Zindabaad!