New Delhi, Feb 12 The BJP and its allies strongly defended the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, calling it "historic reforms" for the welfare of labourers, while the opposition described it as "anti-labour" and sought its complete withdrawal.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the proposed law, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 replaces the Trade Unions Act, 1926, the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which relate to trade unions, industrial employment, and industrial disputes.
Participating in the debate on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Kaushalendra Kumar of the JD(U), an NDA ally, said it is a labour-friendly initiative of the Narendra Modi government and a positive approach towards the welfare of employees.
"It is a historic reform. It will bring positive changes for labourers and employees," he said.
Opposing the Bill, NCP member Supriya Sule said the government is working against hardworking labourers, farmers, and the poor.
She said that her party supports industrial growth but also believes in protecting the dignity, fairness, and rights of labourers.
"We urge you to reconsider. We do not want to compromise the rights of our labourers," she said.
DMK MP Rani Srikumar opposed the Bill and said that the dignity and security of labourers will be threatened when the legislation comes into effect.
"The government should listen to the concerns of the labourers," she said.
Ravindra Waikar of the Shiv Sena, an NDA constituent, supported the Bill and said it will be a major reform in labour laws and ensure the rights of all kinds of employees.
"From now on, labourers will not need to go to court to protect their rights," he said.
Congress MP M K Vishnu Prasad opposed the Bill and said it will weaken the rights of employees.
He said the government's approach towards labourers and employees is primarily focused on the market, rather than on their welfare.
BJP MP Jagadambika Pal said that the Congress never considered the welfare of labourers during its long rule.
"It is a historic reform. It is a very significant initiative taken by the Modi government for the welfare of employees," he said.
Arun Bharti, MP from the BJP's Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), said that labourers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar face the most discrimination while working in different parts of the country, and the Bill will protect their rights and ensure their dignity.
Supporting the Bill, YSR Congress member Gurumoorthy Maddila said it will greatly benefit labourers.
CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan strongly opposed the Bill and sought its withdrawal.
AAP member Malvinder Singh Kang opposed the Bill and said that the labour codes are against labourers and employees, and they will curb their democratic rights.
He said that the minimum wage rule will end with the passage of the Bill.
IUML member E T Mohammed Basheer, while opposing the Bill, said it is an obstacle and hurdle to trade unions.
He said that the legislation is being brought at a time when the country is facing "the highest unemployment rate."
Sudama Prasad of the CPI(M) also opposed the Bill and said it will encourage the "hire and fire" policy.
BJP MP Raju Bista supported the Bill and alleged that the Congress was never labour-friendly, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will honour 50 crore labourers through the Bill.
He said that the Bill will ensure timely wages and provide equal wages to women labourers and ensure social security for all employees.
Hanuman Beniwal of the RLP said the Bill will weaken laws that protect labour rights.
He said he cannot accept "anti-labour" laws and sought their withdrawal.
RSP MP N K Premachandran opposed the Bill and said it will take away the basic democratic rights of labourers.
He sought the complete withdrawal of the labour codes.
Chandra Shekhar Aazad of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) opposed the Bill and claimed that it will encourage companies to adopt the "hire and fire" policy.
"We are not against changes. But the rights of labourers must be protected," he said.
Independent MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh said that the rights of unorganized sector labourers should be protected.
Another Independent MP Umesh Bhai Babubhai Patel also opposed the Bill for its alleged anti-labour clauses.
"I cannot support an anti-labour Bill," he said.
The Bill contains provisions to ensure continuity and legal certainty.
"Although the repeal has occurred by operation of section 104 of the Code itself, there is a possibility of future confusion being created on a misconceived ground that the Act delegates the power to repeal the said enactments to the executive," it explains.
