BCCL Organises Seminar on Industrial Relations Code, Highlights Key Labour Reforms
Senior Advocate Anoop Kumar Mehta explains provisions of the four new labour codes as BCCL leadership stresses compliance, worker welfare and industrial harmony
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) organised a seminar on the Industrial Relations Code under the Four New Labour Codes at Kalyan Mandapam, Jagjivan Nagar, to create awareness among officers and employees about the effective implementation of the labour reforms introduced by the Government of India.
The seminar, held in line with Coal India guidelines, focused on enhancing understanding of the four new labour codes and their compliance requirements. The event was presided over by BCCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Manoj Kumar Agarwal.
Among those present were Director (Human Resources) Murali Krishna Ramaiah, Director (Technical-Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh, General Manager (HR) Kumar Manoj, General Manager (Mining/HRD) Sudhakar Prasad, Head of Department (Law) Dr Kumar Sharat Sinha, Head of Department (Industrial Relations/CSR) Surendra Bhushan, Head of Department (Administration) Manish Mishra, along with senior officials, regional managers and employees.
Senior Advocate of the Jharkhand High Court Anoop Kumar Mehta delivered the keynote address, providing detailed insights into the legal framework, provisions and compliance obligations under the new labour codes, particularly the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Mehta said the labour codes represent a significant labour reform initiative aimed at safeguarding workers’ interests while supporting industrial growth and ease of doing business. He noted that simplified labour laws, greater transparency and digital compliance systems would contribute to a more efficient and responsive industrial work culture.
Through a detailed presentation, he explained how the Government of India has consolidated 29 labour laws into four labour codes covering wages, industrial relations, occupational safety and social security. He elaborated on key provisions of the Code on Wages, 2019, Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and Social Security Code, 2020.
The speaker also highlighted major features of the Industrial Relations Code, including fixed-term employment, recognition of trade unions, establishment of a Skills Fund, expanded definitions of workers and industries, enhancement of the threshold to 300 employees, mandatory 14-day strike notice, constitution of two-member Industrial Tribunals and decriminalisation provisions.
Addressing the gathering, CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal emphasised the importance of understanding labour reforms in today’s industrial environment. He said the new labour codes would strengthen worker protection, industrial harmony, transparency and organisational efficiency.
He reiterated BCCL’s commitment to employee welfare, workplace safety and positive industrial relations, urging officers and employees to familiarize themselves with the provisions and ensure their effective implementation.
In his welcome address, Director (HR) Murali Krishna Ramaiah highlighted the significance of the workshop and said it was organised in accordance with Coal India directives to provide employees with a comprehensive understanding of the new labour laws. He added that proper implementation of the labour codes would contribute to stronger industrial relations and improved organisational efficiency.
Director (Technical-Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh described the labour reforms as highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. He stressed that a clear understanding of the provisions is essential for legal compliance, protection of workers’ rights and smooth industrial operations.
The seminar concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries related to the labour codes. These were addressed by Anoop Kumar Mehta, helping attendees gain practical insights into the implementation of the new legal framework.
The programme was anchored by Dr Kumar Sharat Sinha, who also delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the speakers, dignitaries and participants for making the event successful.
