The Code on Wages, 2019
Section 17. Time limit for payment of wages
In simple words
- Daily wages are due at the end of the shift, and weekly wages on the last working day of the week, before the weekly holiday s. 17(1)(i)–(ii).
- Fortnightly wages are due before the end of the second day after the fortnight ends s. 17(1)(iii).
- Monthly wages are due before the expiry of the seventh day of the following month s. 17(1)(iv).
- An employee who is removed, dismissed, retrenched, resigns or loses their job because the establishment closes must be paid within two working days s. 17(2). See the leaving a job guide.
An explanation, not the law. The official text below prevails.
Official text
(1) The employer shall pay or cause to be paid wages to the employees, engaged on—
(i) daily basis, at the end of the shift;
(ii) weekly basis, on the last working day of the week, that is to say, before the weekly holiday;
(iii) fortnightly basis, before the end of the second day after the end of the fortnight;
(iv) monthly basis, before the expiry of the seventh day of the succeeding month.
(2) Where an employee has been—
(i) removed or dismissed from service; or
(ii) retrenched or has resigned from service, or became unemployed due to closure of the establishment,
the wages payable to him shall be paid within two working days of his removal, dismissal, retrenchment or, as the case may be, his resignation.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), the appropriate Government may, provide any other time limit for payment of wages where it considers reasonable having regard to the circumstances under which the wages are to be paid.
(4) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall affect any time limit for payment of wages provided in any other law for the time being in force.