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Considerations When Drafting an Employee Benefits policy in India

India has globalized and outperformed its economy over the past 30 years. Globalization was a boon for India’s labor codes. They were scattered across different industries and regions. They have since been standardized and updated. Learn more about how to hire with employees in India.

Because India’s average worker age is below 40, it is expected that the younger generation will have the same benefits and protections as the rest of the workforce. A proper employee benefits policy is essential for businesses looking to expand into this country and hire local artisans. These are some guidelines that will help you to create a benefits policy for India.

Indian Employment Laws

It was not easy to understand the laws and perks of employment. Many regulations, laws, governmental programs, and labor requirements are specified in numerous regulations. They were divided between states and industries.

Many mandatory employment regulations and benefits, for example, are only available to the organized sector. This indicated that only a small number of licensed and regulated organizations were allowed to operate. They also had to pay a good-and service tax. This sector offers employees mandatory benefits. They have the security of regular and permanent employment terms, add on benefits, contractual employment protections and regular salary increases. Over 29 labor laws were passed to protect employees, including:

  • 1972 Payment of Gratuity Act
  • 1948 Employees’ State Insurance Act

Standardizing labor codes

In 2019, the Ministry of Labor and Employment introduced four bills that would combine the existing laws. They also apply them to a variety of unorganized areas. These are the four acts:

  • 1976 Equal Remuneration Act
  • 1948 Minimum Wages Act
  • 1936 Payment of Wages Act
  • 1965 Payment of Bonus Act

The Code of Wages expands the benefits and regulations for artisans regardless of their sector. It includes specifics on floor wages, timely payment of wages and minimum wages.

Industrial Relation Code has also been combined and updated many acts such as:

  • Trade Unions Act of 1926
  • Industrial Disputes Act of 1946
  • Act of 1946 on Industrial Employment (Standing Orders).

This code outlines the rules for finding employment following termination, governance of strike-outs and lock-outs, unions, and settling any disputes.

Also integrated: Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Code

  • 1948 Factories Act
  • Act of 1970 on Contract Labor (Regulation and Abolition).

It focuses on creating safe workplaces in all industries and occupations.

Code on Social Security is a collection of several acts that deal with employee benefits.

  • Employees’ Compensation Act (1923)
  • Employees’ Provisional Funds and Other Provisions Act 1952
  • 1948 Employees’ State Insurance Act
  • Act of 1959: Employment Exchanges (Compulsory Notification of vacant positions)
  • 1972 Payment of Gratuity Act
  • 1961 Maternity Benefits Act
  • 1981 Cine-Workers Welfare Fund Act

The Code on Social Security and Employee Benefits

Each state has its own retirement age. The country does not have a defined retirement age. Based on contributions from companies and the program they are part of, the codes can vary. The Code on Social Security in India offers different benefits to the employer:

  • Pension and retirement plans:

The Indian Employees’ Provident Fonds Organization provides old-age income protection through social security. The employer will contribute an additional 12% if the monthly income is below INR 15,000.

  • Coverage for disabled persons:

Workers are covered by the law and are entitled to compensation

  • Permanent disability: The maximum amount of INR 120,000 for employees is 60% of their monthly income.
  • Death:Employees’ families receive the highest sum of INR 120,000, or 50% of a monthly salary.
  • Insurance for medical emergencies

If the contract specifies, private sector workers receive medical benefits for sickness, death, or maternity. While they are unable to work, they receive medical cash benefits and treatment. In certain cases, benefits may be extended to relatives.

  • Gratuity Act
    After five years of continuous service, Indian companies that have at least 10 employees must pay a gratuity. For each five-year period of continuous service, the gratuity amount is 15 days more.

Other Compulsory Benefits

The Code on Social Security also includes the following benefits:

  • Maternity Leave: Full-time workers can receive 26 weeks of paid maternity leave if they have worked at least 80 hours.
  • They get ten days off for sickness.
  • Holidays – In India, employees have access to three national holidays like
  1. Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday
  2. Independence Day
  3. Republic Day
  • Vacation Time: Employees who work in the same industry for at least 240 days per year receive one day off every 20 days.

They are also entitled to five to nine holiday weekends each year, depending on the state. The employer may offer additional pay to employees who work on public holidays.

HR Expertise to Give Employee Perks In India

It can be difficult to understand the labor laws of international employers who have different languages, cultures, and legal systems. As part of global expansion in India, it is a good idea to find an employment partner who has exceptional HR experience. The entire process can be assisted by an employer of record in India . This ensures that the employee’s benefits package is in accordance with employment regulations.

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