ABSTRACT
Three decades of a policy discourse that sanctions the dismantling of the protective structures of labour laws in the name of “majority” of the workers has shifted the balance towards the “ease of doing business” over workers' rights. Currently, the focus of such change is on the four labour codes that are to repeal and replace some 30 labour laws. This chapter examines some implications of these labour codes for women workers. The Code on wages' specific exclusion of apprentices has adverse implications for any entitlement to minimum wage for “sum-angali” workers, who are designated apprentices. Occupational safety, health and working conditions code has chapters that summarise the industry-based labour laws that are being repealed. The chapter on maternity benefits in Code on social security reiterates the provision for 26 weeks' paid maternity leave by employers, and the discriminatory provision for a maximum of 12 weeks' leave for any pregnancy beyond two children.
