The landscape of labour laws in India has undergone a monumental transformation with the enactment of the Social Security Code, 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the "SS Code"). This legislation, which received Presidential assent on 28th September 2020, aims to consolidate and rationalize the provisions of nine central labour enactments relating to social security. The SS Code is a significant step toward ensuring comprehensive social security for all categories of workers, including those in the unorganised, gig, and platform sectors. Background and Purpose of the SS Code Prior to the SS Code, India's social security framework was governed by multiple legislations including the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948; the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; and the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923. Each had its own scope, definitions, and compliance requirements, making t...
Cyclone Remal recently struck West Bengal with a vengeance, leaving behind a wake of chaos and devastation. Imagine fierce winds tearing through the air, heavy rain pelting down, and the landscape transformed into a battleground. The damage caused by Cyclone Remal was significant: Uprooted Trees: The cyclone’s powerful winds uprooted trees, creating a tangled mess of branches, disrupting power lines, and blocking roads. Streets were strewn with fallen debris, making movement difficult. Homes in Peril: Roofs were ripped off, walls crumbled, and windows shattered as Cyclone Remal battered homes and buildings. Families faced the terrifying force of nature firsthand. Streets as Rivers: The relentless rain turned streets into temporary rivers, especially in low-lying areas. Navigating flooded roads became a challenge for residents. The impact on people was profound: Evacuations: Authorities conducted large-scale evacuations, movi...