As the labor codes are knocking at the door, instead of framing a traditional wage structure, it will be better to frame a wage structure close to the guidelines provided in the definition of wages under all labor codes as follows:
1. Determine CTC considering all possible elements spent by the organization for any employee, including point (b) of the exclusion list as per the definition of wages. (x)
2. Identify the gratuity amount, ESIC employer contribution if any, insurance premium if any, and any other components not payable to the employee but spent by the organization. (y)
3. Total remuneration payable to the employee = x - y as per the definition of wages.
4. As per the definition of wages, Basic & DA should be 50% of (x-y). Labor codes are not yet implemented. Basic and DA may be at this moment 35-40% of (x-y).
5. When labor codes are implemented, it may be enhanced to 50% at that time, and the problem will be less.
6. In my opinion, all organizations in India should start restructuring the remuneration package as it varies randomly from organization to organization.
S K Bandyopadhyay (WB, Howrah)