NEW DELHI: On Monday, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya defended the four Labour Codes during a Lok Sabha session, emphasizing their benefits for women employees, especially those working in Assam’s tea plantations. His comments addressed concerns raised by opposition parties who argue that the reforms weaken labour protections. As per a report in TOI, Mandaviya responded to questions regarding the implementation and protective measures under the Codes.
Regarding women employed in tea gardens, the minister stated that the Labour Codes provide robust provisions to uphold the dignity, safety, health, and rights of female workers across all sectors, including tea estates and factories nationwide. He assured that the Codes guarantee equal pay for men and women performing the same work, improved health services, and enhanced maternity benefits, such as crèche facilities and paid leave.
Mandaviya also mentioned that social security coverage under schemes like Ayushman Bharat and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) offers women workers and their families access to cashless medical treatment, including care for illnesses related to hazardous work environments. He added that establishments employing 50 or more women workers are required to provide housing, drinking water, and sanitation facilities. Furthermore, every workplace must have an Internal Complaints Committee or grievance redressal committee with mandatory inclusion of women members.
Highlighting that women make up 70 to 80 percent of the tea garden workforce, the minister noted that over 1.2 million plantation workers benefit from the Labour Codes. He questioned the opposition’s objections, asking if they opposed equal wages, maternity benefits, and health security for women.
Opposition parties such as Congress and Trinamool Congress have contended that the Codes favor employers by allowing longer working hours and weakening enforcement mechanisms. The government, however, maintains that these reforms modernize labour laws and broaden social security coverage. Following the parliamentary debate, Mandaviya reiterated on social media that equal pay, health security, maternity benefits, safe working conditions, and mandatory grievance committees remain key protections for women workers.
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