Labour codes

In this series, various changes sought to be brought in by the proposed labour codes are being discussed. It comes as no surprise that the Codes, brought in clearly show the corporate nature of the state. While issues such as the overbroad exemptions, the excessive delegation and the definitional changes have been discussed previously, this note considers the changing face of the grievance redressal machinery in the Industrial Relations (IR) Code.

The workers in building and other construction work [BOCW] sector are some of the most marginalized, systemically unsafe and physically exploited. In India, official statistics show that there are 5.1 crores of construction workers across the country, who produce 9% of the annual gross domestic product [GDP]. Certainly, their number and contribution will be even higher.