Under Section 3 of the Code on Wages, 2019, which deals with equal remuneration, what is the key obligation imposed on employers?

Section 3 of the Code on Wages, 2019 re-enacts the provisions of the now-repealed Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, with expanded scope. It mandates that no employer shall pay to an employee at a rate less than the rate at which remuneration is paid to another employee of the opposite sex for performing the same work or work of a similar nature. Importantly, Section 3 also prohibits gender-based discrimination in recruitment for the same or similar work a significant extension beyond mere wage equality. The expression "work of a similar nature" means work in respect of which the skill, effort, experience, and responsibility required are the same. An employer cannot reduce wages of any existing employee to comply with this provision the correction must be upward. Any contravention is a cognisable offence and can attract prosecution under the penalty provisions of the Code.