New Delhi, 11 May (H.S.): The political controversy over the Central government’s notification of the four new labour codes has intensified, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slamming the measures as anti‑labour and accusing the government of diluting workers’ rights.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kharge alleged that the government had notified the codes through Gazette notifications immediately after state assembly elections, paving the way for a “hire‑and‑fire” culture that could jeopardise job security for millions of workers. He claimed the reforms favour corporate interests over labour protections, potentially leaving crores of employees vulnerable to arbitrary dismissals.

Kharge took specific aim at the Wage Code 2019, arguing that mandating a minimum 50% of basic pay within total wages would shrink take‑home pay by inflating allowances and other components.

On the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020, the Congress criticised the decriminalisation of safety‑rule violations, warning that removing criminal penalties would weaken enforcement and expose workers to greater risks in hazardous industries.

The Social Security Code 2020 drew fire for failing to provide clear benefits for gig and platform workers. Kharge highlighted that delivery workers on platforms like Zomato and Swiggy lack a defined framework for insurance or social‑security funding, leaving 90% of the unorganised workforce with only token protections on paper.

Under the Industrial Relations Code 2020, the opposition objected to the extension of strike notice periods and relaxed layoff rules. Kharge pointed out that strikes now require a mandatory 60‑day notice, up from shorter timelines, while companies with up to 300 employees can conduct layoffs without government approval compared to the previous threshold of 100 workers.

Kharge reiterated that the Congress remains committed to raising minimum wages, expanding MGNREGA, providing health security for unorganised workers and imposing stricter controls on contract labour. He urged the government to withdraw the codes and engage in broader consultations with trade unions, labour experts and opposition parties before implementation.

The timing of the notifications coming shortly after state elections has only heightened the political heat, with the opposition framing the reforms as a post‑poll giveaway to industry at the expense of India’s vast labour force.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar