Constitutional Mandates: Guided by Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) such as Article 39 (adequate means of livelihood), Article 41 (right to work, education, public assistance), Article 42 (just and humane conditions of work, maternity relief), Article 43 (living wage), and Article 43A (workers' participation in management).

Areas Covered: Health and safety at workplace, reasonable working hours, minimum wages, social security (provident fund, ESI, gratuity, pension), housing, education, recreation, crèche facilities, maternity benefits, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Key Legislations: Historically covered by acts like Factories Act 1948, Mines Act 1952, Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952, Employees' State Insurance Act 1948, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, Payment of Gratuity Act 1972.

Role of ILO: India is a founding member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and adheres to many of its conventions and recommendations on labour standards.

Challenges: Extending welfare benefits to the large informal sector, effective enforcement of laws, balancing welfare provisions with economic competitiveness and ease of doing business.

New Labour Codes: Aim to consolidate and expand social security and welfare provisions, particularly through the Code on Social Security 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020.

Promotes industrial peace, productivity, and a healthy workforce.

Includes both statutory (mandated by law) and non-statutory (voluntary by employers) welfare measures.

Focus on protecting vulnerable sections of the workforce, including women and child labour.

Constitutional Mandates: Guided by Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) such as Article 39 (adequate means of livelihood), Article 41 (right to work, education, public assistance), Article 42 (just and humane conditions of work, maternity relief), Article 43 (living wage), and Article 43A (workers' participation in management).

Areas Covered: Health and safety at workplace, reasonable working hours, minimum wages, social security (provident fund, ESI, gratuity, pension), housing, education, recreation, crèche facilities, maternity benefits, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

Key Legislations: Historically covered by acts like Factories Act 1948, Mines Act 1952, Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952, Employees' State Insurance Act 1948, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, Payment of Gratuity Act 1972.

Role of ILO: India is a founding member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and adheres to many of its conventions and recommendations on labour standards.

Challenges: Extending welfare benefits to the large informal sector, effective enforcement of laws, balancing welfare provisions with economic competitiveness and ease of doing business.

New Labour Codes: Aim to consolidate and expand social security and welfare provisions, particularly through the Code on Social Security 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020.

Promotes industrial peace, productivity, and a healthy workforce.

Includes both statutory (mandated by law) and non-statutory (voluntary by employers) welfare measures.

Focus on protecting vulnerable sections of the workforce, including women and child labour.