The Social Security Code, 2020 and the rules framed thereunder raise a number of issues regarding the working of the new legislation, which is the focus of the article. A major problem is the complex provisions that allow for dual authorities and overlapping of zones. Integration of the new code with the ongoing social security programmes and financing of new ones are other issues discussed.
Does the introduction of FDIs in critical sectors allow consumers to accrue more benefits through increased competition or does it cement the presence of big players and displace local industries?
The after-effects of the demonetisation of 500 and1,000 banknotes still continued to be felt well into 2017. A study of Pune’s local markets enumerates the impact, compounded by the confusion over the goods and services tax.
The recent move of the government to extend the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme for domestic workers clearly shows the callousness of the initiative and the non-committal approach of the state to the concerns of domestic workers. For the first time, a discriminatory approach within the ESI scheme to a specific category of workers is noticeable.
Looking at existing policy instruments and goals, and the economic and social outcomes they promise to deliver, it is argued that majoritarian politics and social and cultural outcomes are not part of fringe thinking. The politics of hate actually works to build a consensus for ruling class economics. It is not surprising, therefore, that the only "nationalist outlook" of our times is to stand firmly behind the policy programme for the global investor.
