Under Section 17 of the Code on Wages, 2019, what is the time limit for payment of wages to an employee who is employed on a monthly basis?

Section 17 of the Code on Wages, 2019 prescribes clear timelines for wage payment based on the wage period. For employees employed on a daily basis, wages must be paid at the end of the shift itself. For employees on a weekly basis, wages must be paid on the last working day of the week. For employees on a fortnightly basis, wages must be paid within 2 days of the end of the fortnight. For employees on a monthly basis, wages must be paid before the expiry of the 7th day of the succeeding month. Additionally, where an employee is removed, dismissed, retrenched, or resigns, or becomes unemployed due to closure of the establishment, the wages earned must be paid within 2 working days of such removal or resignation. These timelines are significantly more structured than those under the old Payment of Wages Act, 1936, ensuring greater certainty and timeliness of wage payment.