As an endeavor to ensure updation of knowledge with all topics in vogue, through the Knowledge Dialogues series – the unique initiative by KSOM to encourage and ensure discussions on pertinent topics; KSOM organized a webinar on 10^th Oct, from 11 am to 12.30 pm, on the topic “Reforms envisaged by the new Labor Codes – varied perspectives”.

The eminent speakers on the panel comprised the following:

Professor SK Mahapatra, Director, KIIT School of  Management presented a general overview on labor reforms and set the context to the session. He spoke about the need for reforms as overdue and gave the ILO perspective on Future of Work. Summing up, he spoke about the positives from the four codes in terms of minimizing returns and simplifying definitions. Prof. Mahapatra asked for more trust between employee and employer instead of suspicion, to progress together with the spirit of laws instead of cribbing and differing on letters of law.

Dr. Tapas K. Panda, who is an All India Service Officer in Central Labour Service (CLS) cadre, under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt of India. He is presently posted as Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, Govt of India, Kolkata.  He is a first class post-graduate in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations from Utkal University followed by a degree in law from the same University. A country topper in the UPSC exam, in the selection into service of Central Labour Service (CLS) in 1998 batch; Dr. Tapas has a working experience of about 32 years in various capacities as an executive in a bank, an officer in the Labour Department under the State Govt of Orissa and under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt of India,  for more than 21 years as Assistant labour Commissioner, Regional Labour Commissioner & now as a Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner. His passion for the subject has made him render at eminent colleges across India including XLRI, IIMs, Narsee  Monjee amidst others. Dr. Tapas has been a Chief Examiner in Utkal University in the Department of PM & IR; apart from being in the “Board of Studies” of the same department. Constituted by Govt of India, he was a committee member on labour reforms on IT portal/ simplification/amalgamation of labour legislations/rules. He is the proud recipient of “Bharat Gaurav Sanman” in 2017, conferred by the “World Human Rights Protection Association”, India Chapter for his work in the field of unorganised labour in the state of Odisha. Dr. Panda spoke about the impact of Code on Wages on unorganized sector and all workers.

 Dr. Rajeev Nayan, corporate HR professional and now, freelance HR Consultant and faculty of B- Schools. An HR professional and an astute leader with commendable experience of around 31 years of HR & IR in big manufacturing organisations and corporate in India & abroad. His prowess in the HR area spans across varied functions namely, HR Process Development, Strategic HR, Change Management, Leadership Development, HR Analytics, IR Union negotiations, Automation of HR and also CSR Initiatives. He has a proven track record of driving Business agenda in line with business needs. He has driven the employee relations and successfully managed locational challenges through networking and CSR initiatives. Academic credentials include Ph. D. in Social Science apart from Masters in Social Work  from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth University, Varanasi. In his work life, Dr. Rajeev has added value to all the organizations that he has worked for – INDORAMA at Senegal West Africa; an MNC – Tega Industries, Kolkata, as Group President Global HR; Vedanta Ltd. (Vedanta Group), Aluminium & Power Business, as Business HR Head; Grasim Industries Ltd.(Aditya Birla Group) as Sr. Vice President – HRM; and Reliance Retail to name a few. He is currently working as a Freelance HR Consultant and faculty of B- Schools. Dr. Rajeev presented the corporate perspectives on the impact of Code of Industrial Relations on trade unions and workers.

Professor P.K. Sarkar, who is an eminent academician and is serving in the field of law for the last 42 years. He started his career as a lecturer in Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack and subsequently served as Reader and Professor in the PG department of law in Utkal University till 2013. He has served as the Principal of University Law College and PG Council Chairman. At present, he is serving as Professor Emeritus in the KIIT School of Law. His areas of competence comprise Business Law, Human Rights, Law & Social Transformation, Intellectual Property Rights, Legislative Principles, Jurisprudence, Labour law & Constitution Law. He has guided several Ph. D. scholars. Presently, he is Chairman of CLAP, Committee for Legal Assistance to the Poor. His expertise in his area has made him grace hundreds of presentations in national & International seminars; apart from different TV channels as expert & analyst on legal & constitutional issues. Prof. Sarkar presented his perspectives on the status of inter-state migrant workmen as an outcome of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Condition Code, 2020. He also spoke on the Code of Social Security.

Prof. Isa Mishra moderated the session, which was highly interactive.

Key takeaways from the program:

1. Understand the backdrop of labour reforms
2. How 44 statutes have been merged into 4 labor codes
3. Understand the impact of labor codes on both organized and unorganized sectors
4. Understand the nuances of the four labor codes
5. Allaying any confusion that may have evolved out of the labor codes