A Comparative Study of Provisions on Fixed-Term Employment in India’s Various Labour Codes

This paper investigates the growing trend of fixed-term employment (FTE) in India and its regulation under the newly enacted labour codes viz. the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020; and the Code on Social Security, 2020. While these codes intend to protect the FTE worker’s rights, significant gaps remain in their implementation and enforcement, leading to inconsistencies in worker protections. The paper explores the provisions related to FTE in various labour laws, identifies gaps and discrepancies between central and state regulations, and offers recommendations to harmonize policies across India. Key areas of focus include contract renewal, protection against arbitrary non-renewal, career advancement and benefits parity between permanent and fixed-term employees. The study concludes with recommendations for clearer, enforceable guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency in the treatment of fixed-term workers across the country.