Government of India sets up 20 control rooms to address wage-related issues

The Government of India has established 20 control rooms across the country to address and resolve wage-related grievances faced by workers, particularly in unorganised and informal sectors. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring fair labour practices, prompt redressal of complaints, and effective implementation of wage and labour laws. The measure aims to strengthen the system of labour welfare and enforcement by providing direct channels of communication between workers and authorities.

Background and Context

India’s workforce is one of the largest in the world, encompassing diverse sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services. A significant proportion of this labour force is employed in the unorganised sector, where challenges such as non-payment of wages, wage delays, and underpayment remain persistent.
To safeguard workers’ rights, the Government of India has introduced several legislative and administrative reforms over the years, including the Code on Wages, 2019, which consolidates and rationalises the laws relating to minimum wages, payment of wages, bonus, and equal remuneration. Despite these efforts, wage-related complaints have continued to surface, particularly during periods of economic disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when many workers faced income insecurity.
The establishment of 20 control rooms seeks to create a responsive and decentralised mechanism for monitoring wage disbursement, resolving grievances, and ensuring compliance with statutory provisions.

Objectives of the Initiative

The key objectives of setting up these control rooms are:

• To provide a dedicated helpline for workers to report non-payment or delayed payment of wages.
• To facilitate real-time monitoring and swift resolution of wage-related complaints.
• To ensure effective enforcement of labour laws, particularly under the Code on Wages, 2019.
• To enhance coordination between central and state labour departments.
• To maintain transparency and accountability in wage management across sectors.

This initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of promoting labour welfare, industrial harmony, and social justice in accordance with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Structure and Functioning of Control Rooms

The control rooms are being operated under the supervision of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) within the Ministry of Labour and Employment. They are strategically located in key industrial and employment hubs across various states to ensure accessibility and regional balance.
Each control room is equipped with communication facilities, grievance-handling mechanisms, and dedicated officers trained in labour dispute management. Workers can register complaints through toll-free helplines, email, or online portals, making the process convenient and transparent.
Upon receiving a complaint, the control room officials verify the claim and forward it to the concerned regional labour authorities for investigation. In cases involving violations of wage laws, employers are issued notices or directed to comply within a stipulated time frame. Serious or repeated violations are subject to penal action under the relevant provisions of the labour codes.

Legal Framework and Policy Integration

The initiative aligns with the implementation of the Code on Wages, 2019, which aims to ensure universal coverage of workers and simplify wage administration. The control rooms also function in coordination with other key legislations such as the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
The government’s integrated approach seeks to create a unified labour monitoring system under the Digital India Mission, leveraging information technology for grievance tracking and compliance reporting. By linking control rooms with the Shram Suvidha Portal, authorities can centralise data, monitor trends, and identify sectors prone to wage disputes.

Impact on Workers and Employers

The establishment of control rooms is expected to benefit both workers and employers. For workers, it provides a reliable redressal mechanism that ensures timely payment and prevents exploitation. It also empowers them to seek justice without the fear of losing employment.
For employers, the system encourages compliance and transparency, reducing the likelihood of disputes and fostering better industrial relations. Moreover, by ensuring adherence to wage norms, the initiative contributes to workplace stability and productivity enhancement.

Role During Economic Disruptions

Control rooms play a crucial role during economic slowdowns, natural disasters, or emergencies, when wage disbursement becomes irregular. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, similar mechanisms were temporarily activated to assist stranded or unpaid workers. The current establishment of permanent control rooms ensures a sustainable and institutionalised response mechanism that can function continuously across all states and union territories.
These centres are expected to be particularly beneficial for migrant and contract workers, who often face administrative barriers in claiming dues when they move across regions or sectors.

Challenges and Implementation Issues

While the initiative is commendable, its effectiveness depends on robust implementation. Key challenges include ensuring adequate staffing, digital connectivity in remote areas, and coordination among multiple departments. There is also a need for awareness campaigns so that workers are informed about how and where to register complaints.
Ensuring linguistic accessibility, maintaining data privacy, and preventing misuse of the system are other important concerns that require continuous monitoring. In addition, efficient follow-up mechanisms must be established to ensure that filed complaints are not merely recorded but resolved within a defined time frame.

Significance and Future Outlook

The setting up of 20 control rooms signifies the government’s proactive approach towards strengthening labour governance and safeguarding workers’ rights. It reflects a transition towards a more responsive, technology-driven, and inclusive labour administration system.
By reinforcing accountability and promoting fair labour practices, the initiative contributes to the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, ensuring that economic growth translates into equitable benefits for all sections of the workforce.
The measure thus stands as a crucial step towards achieving the broader objectives of social justice, decent work, and inclusive development, as outlined in India’s national and international labour commitments.