THE NEW INDIAN LABOUR CODES - A CASE OF OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLE?

The second and last panel of the day titled, "The New Indian Labour Codes - A Case of Old Wine in New Bottle?" was moderated by Vikram Shroff, Head, HR Laws (Employment & Labor), Nishith Desai Associates. The panelists included: Amit Shinde General Manager Legal, Mind tree; Abhinav Sinha Director- Compensation and Benefits, India Region Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd – India; Mansha Shukla Senior Counsel (Head- Legal), South Asia Airbnb; Manoj Rajendran, Sr. Corporate Counsel (Labour & Employment) Amazon; and Priya Ananthan, Managing Council, BNY Mellon. The panel discussed topics such as impact on hiring and firing, new definition of "wages" and its financial impact, and new concepts under new labour codes. Vikram Shroff summarized the panel as "The new labour codes of India are already on the horizon. It no longer seems a question of 'if' but 'when'. First impressions of the new labour codes were a case of old wine in a new bottle. Reading the fine print, there are several changes and new concepts that have been introduced by the labour codes. Employers have been putting in considerable efforts to understand the impact of the new labour codes, so as to be ready and prepared as soon as they are made effective." Manoj Rajendran said, "India's economic progress is tied to progressive labour reforms. Employers and employees will have to work hand in hand to ensure the growth of the nation." Priya Ananthan said, "The Legal fraternity is eagerly waiting for the Labour Codes to infuse a breath of fresh air by balancing benefits for workers and with India ranking high on the Ease of Doing Business."