West Bengal Labour Code Rules
Implementation status and key provisions under India’s four consolidated labour codes in West Bengal.
West Bengal full rule pages
Source-cited walkthroughs and verbatim gazette text for each notified or draft code rule in West Bengal.
Code on Wages, 2019
Act 29 of 2019, effective 21st November 2025
Key provisions
No employer shall discriminate between employees on grounds of gender in matters relating to wages.
The appropriate Government shall fix minimum wages for different classes of employees.
The Central Government shall fix the floor wage taking into account living standards of workers.
Wages shall be paid in current coin or currency notes or by cheque or digital mode.
Compliance checklist
- ☐Review all employment contracts for wage definition compliance
- ☐Audit current compensation structures against 50% exclusion rule
- ☐Update payroll cycle to meet 7th-day payment deadline
- ☐Implement 2-working-day final wage settlement process
- ☐Ensure equal pay audit across all genders for similar roles
FAQs
What is the floor wage and how does it work?
The floor wage is the minimum basic wage set by the Central Government below which no state government can fix its minimum wage. It ensures a national minimum standard of living for workers across all states. The floor wage may vary for different geographical areas.
How does the 50% rule affect wage calculations?
If allowances and exclusions (like HRA, conveyance, etc.) exceed 50% of total remuneration, the amount exceeding 50% is added back to 'wages'. This affects calculations for PF contributions, ESI, gratuity, and bonus. Employers must review compensation structures to ensure compliance.
What is the deadline for paying wages?
Monthly wages must be paid by the 7th of the succeeding month (changed from 10th earlier). On removal, dismissal, retrenchment or resignation, full and final settlement of wages must be completed within 2 working days.