Special View: Disabled Workers & Hearing-Impaired Employees
(Under India’s New Labour Codes)
India’s New Labour Codes bring several important protections and opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), including hearing-impaired employees, though effective impact depends on implementation.
1️⃣ Equal Wages & Non-Discrimination
Code on Wages, 2019
Guarantees equal pay for equal work irrespective of disability.
Employers cannot reduce wages due to hearing or physical impairment.
Applies to organized & unorganized sectors.
✔ Protects deaf workers from unfair salary cuts
✔ Strengthens dignity at workplace
2️⃣ Social Security Coverage (Major Benefit)
Code on Social Security, 2020
PwDs, including hearing-impaired workers, are eligible for:
Provident Fund (PF)
ESI (medical benefits)
Gratuity
Maternity benefits
Covers:
Contract workers
Gig workers
Platform workers (delivery, app-based jobs)
✔ Helpful for deaf freelancers & gig workers
✔ Medical & income security improved
3️⃣ Workplace Safety & Reasonable Accommodation
Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 Encourages:
Safe and healthy workplaces
Special provisions for vulnerable workers
👉 For hearing-impaired employees, this can include:
Visual alarms instead of sound-only alarms
Written instructions & safety signs
Emergency alerts using lights/text
Clear signage & hazard symbols
⚠️ “Reasonable accommodation” is implied but needs strong enforcement.
4️⃣ Working Hours & Flexibility
Maximum 48 hours per week
Option of flexible schedules
Fixed-term employment allowed with full benefits
✔ Useful for PwDs who need medical care or rest
✔ Encourages inclusive work models
5️⃣ Grievance Redressal & Job Security
Industrial Relations Code, 2020
Formal grievance mechanisms
Protection against unfair termination
Fixed-term employees entitled to same benefits as permanent staff
✔ Reduces exploitation of disabled workers
✔ Legal backing in disputes
6️⃣ What Is Still Missing (Gaps)
❌ No explicit mandate for:
Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreters
Deaf-friendly training material
Mandatory accessibility audits
Strong penalties for discrimination
➡ These must be supported through:
RPwD Act, 2016
State rules & company HR policies
🔍 Overall Impact Summary
Impact for Hearing-Impaired
Area
Wages
✅ Equal pay guaranteed
Social Security
✅ Strong improvement
Safety
⚠️ Depends on employer
Accessibility
❌ Not clearly mandated
Job Security
✅ Improved
🟣 Practical Advice for Deaf & Disabled Workers
Always declare disability officially to access benefits
Ask HR for written communication & safety support
Register for ESI/PF wherever eligible
Use RPwD Act protections along with Labour Codes