Centre proposes new draft Code on Social Security.

It amalgamates eight laws, covering Employees’ Provident Fund, maternity benefits and compensation among others.

The Centre has proposed a new draft Code on Social Security that amalgamates eight laws — covering Employees’ Provident Fund, maternity benefits and compensation among others— that makes way for establishing funds for PF and pension as well as covering workers of the gig economy in social security schemes.

The draft code, which was published by the Labour and Employment Ministry this week, will be up for public comments till October 25, the Ministry said.

It proposes PF, pension and insurance funds that would be administered by a central board. Employees would also be able to opt for the National Pension Scheme if they want.

The draft code proposes schemes related to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits and old-age protection for “gig workers and platform workers” as well as the unorganised sector.

As a part of its labour reform agenda, the government had proposed to combine 44 labour laws into four codes. After coming out with two codes — on wages, occupational safety, health and working conditions — it has not drafted the third.

The code also says no employer can knowingly employ a woman six weeks after a delivery, miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which is among the laws being subsumed by the code, had placed the six-week restriction for women after delivery or miscarriage, not mentioning medical termination.

As a part of its labour reform agenda, the government had proposed to combine 44 labour laws into four codes. After coming out with two codes — on wages and occupational safety, health and working conditions — it has not drafted the third. (Source: The Hindu)