According to Code 53 (5) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, what is the maximum duration within which a conciliation officer must send a report to the concerned parties and the appropriate Government if no settlement is reached in the conciliation proceedings?

Ans. c., Explanation: As per Code 53 (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (4), the conciliation officer shall send the report to the concerned parties and the appropriate Government within forty-five days of the commencement of the conciliation proceedings or within such shorter period as may be fixed by the appropriate Government: Provided that where a conciliation officer receives notice under section 62, he shall send the report to the concerned parties and to the appropriate Government within fourteen days of the commencement of the conciliation proceedings: Provided further that subject to the approval of the conciliation officer, the time may be extended by such period as may be agreed upon in writing by the concerned parties to the dispute.