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HR Compliance Checklist for Companies in India — 2024

A comprehensive HR compliance checklist for Indian companies covering POSH, EPF, ESI, professional tax, labour laws, and the new labour codes.

Maslo Consulting is India's only HR firm with its own proprietary AI product suite. This guide is written by our HR practitioners with 20+ years of field experience across Indian companies. For specific advice on your situation, contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key HR compliance requirements for companies in India?

Key HR compliance requirements in India include: POSH Act compliance (ICC formation, policy, training, annual report), EPF registration and contributions, ESI registration and contributions, Professional Tax compliance (state-specific), Shops and Establishments Act registration, Minimum Wages Act compliance, Maternity Benefit Act compliance, Gratuity Act compliance, and compliance with applicable state-specific labour laws.

What is Professional Tax and who must pay it?

Professional Tax is a state-level tax levied on individuals earning above a threshold income. It is deducted from employee salaries and deposited with the state government. Not all states have Professional Tax — states that levy it include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat. Rates and slabs vary by state.

What is the Shops and Establishments Act?

The Shops and Establishments Act is a state-level law that governs working conditions for employees in shops, offices, and commercial establishments. Registration under this Act is mandatory for most businesses. It covers working hours, leave entitlements, overtime, and termination procedures. Each state has its own version of the Act.

Is a labour law audit necessary for companies in India?

A labour law audit is not legally mandatory but is strongly recommended for all companies. An audit identifies compliance gaps before labour inspections or employee complaints expose them. Given the complexity of India's labour law framework — 44 central laws plus state-specific regulations — most companies have multiple compliance gaps that they are unaware of.

How often should HR compliance be reviewed?

HR compliance should be reviewed at minimum annually. However, given the ongoing implementation of the 4 new labour codes, companies should review compliance every six months. Compliance must also be reviewed whenever there is a change in headcount, entry into a new state, change in salary structures, or a merger or acquisition.

Need help with HR compliance?

Maslo Consulting works with companies across India on POSH compliance, labour law, recruitment, and L&D. Our team responds within 2 business hours.

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