The Indian Council of Industrial Management (ICIM) successfully convened a major national conference in Noida, focusing on the transformative New Labour Codes. Titled “Shramev Jayate – New Labour Codes Seminar,” the event was held at a Sector 18 hotel under the leadership of ICIM Chairman Satendra Singh and Director Anshuman Singh.
Government Emphasises Non-Negotiable Worker Welfare
The seminar commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony presided over by chief guests Dr. Mahesh Sharma, MP for Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Dr. M.K. Shanmuga Sundaram, Principal Secretary (Labour) for the Uttar Pradesh government. In his keynote address, Dr. Sundaram laid out the core vision of the reforms.
He asserted that ensuring timely wages, social security, workplace safety, and welfare for every employee is the fundamental goal. He placed the primary responsibility for compliance and worker well-being squarely on industry owners and employers.
“Protecting workers’ interests and ensuring their inclusion under ESI, Provident Fund, and Social Security is non-negotiable,” Dr. Sundaram stated. He clarified that the new legal framework demands strict transparency, documentation, and accountability from employers.
He also highlighted the government's parallel efforts to simplify the ecosystem for businesses through single-window clearances, digital approvals, and rationalised inspections, aiming to ease operations while upholding labour protection.
Deep-Dive Sessions on Compliance and Implementation
The conference saw robust participation from over 250 delegates, including industry owners, HR heads, compliance officers, and legal advisors from Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other states. The gathering was also attended by several distinguished labour department officers from Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and the UP Social Security Board, fostering direct regulatory dialogue.
A series of in-depth technical sessions were conducted by legal experts, dissecting all four Labour Codes:
- Adv. Sudhir Kumar Gupta addressed the Social Security Code and the Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Code.
- Adv. Govindraju N.S. explained the intricacies of the Wage Code 2019 and the pivotal 50% CTC wage structure rule.
- Adv. Yajat Kumar discussed the Industrial Relations Code 2020 and its mechanisms for dispute resolution.
These sessions provided clarity on how the codes will reshape payroll structures, employer liabilities, documentation mandates, and overall compliance strategy.
ICIM's Pledge to Guide a Smooth Transition
In his presidential address, ICIM Chairman Satendra Singh framed the New Labour Codes as a restoration of dignity and security for the Indian worker. “The New Labour Codes are not just reforms—they represent India’s commitment to dignity, safety, and equitable treatment for every worker,” he said.
He reaffirmed ICIM's mission to support industries nationwide through extensive awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and professional compliance guidance to ensure a confusion-free transition to the new legal regime.
The event, organised with the support of LegalIPL and Utthan Samiti, equipped delegates with practical insights on wage structure changes, ESI/PF applicability, compliance timelines, and employer liabilities. Participants left with a clearer roadmap for implementing the codes within their organisations, viewing them as a tool for building a more fair and progressive labour ecosystem in India.
